User Manual Critique
Week 4 Assignment
Gregorio Cisneros
ENG/221
07/17/2014
Joseph Aguirre

The following review and critique will be on the Keurig, Inc., Keurig® K-Cup™ K70/K75 Platinum Brewer Owner’s Manual. The document is available online via the following website link: http://www.keurig.com/~/media/Files/Keurig Brewer Manuals/2013 Use and Care Guides/Platinum Use Care Guide.ashx This review will cover the purpose and function of the manual, format and design, manual usability, the uses of written communication and appropriate usage of visual and technical elements. This critique will demonstrate how this manual is both concise and effective manual.
Purpose and Function
The purpose of the manual is clear to the reader as to help product owners know how to setup the unit, use the device correctly. The manual also informs readers of the device controls and features, how to clean and maintain the device, knowledge of troubleshooting topics and solutions, and informing the end user of warranty specifications. The fundamental function is to educate the consumer how the Keurig product works and provide additional available support content pertaining to the device.
Format and Design
The manual format is both pre-printed physical copy or available online for viewing and downloading. The document dimensions are smaller than 8.5 in. x 11 in. letter size. The manuals custom size of 8.5 in. x 5.5 in. size makes it compact and economical. The cover is a 4-color process scheme keeping with the brand integrity scheme. The interior body content is 1-color Black with halftones, making it easy to read and less distracting. The sans serif typeface of DINPro is primarily used throughout the document. The use of this principal typeface family creates a clean and unique aesthetic, pleasing to the reader’s eye. The mix of bold headers and thin font weights improves the readability of the technical instructions. Ref. fig. 1.1 below.

Fig. 1.1
Manual Usability
The ease of the manual’s usability is due to its easy to read content, its clean use of type and well-defined topics listed in the table of contents (Fig. 1.2) and on each section (Fig. 1.3).

Fig. 1.2 Fig. 1.3

Proper word spacing and well-balanced white space is implemented in the manual. This action eliminates the appearance of clutter and avoids reader distractions normally associated with a large amount of instructional content. This combination allows the reader to focus on the message and prepares an effective delivery of written communication.
Written Communication
The content of the document is well written in clear and concise English sentences. The verbiage is not difficult to understand, short and brief when appropriate (reference Fig. 1.4).

Fig. 1.4
This manual version is written in English language only, using both language specific terms and phrases well. This effective use of written communication structure and design helps convey the devices technical instructions clearly and with focus.
Visual and Technical Elements
With the use of sharp illustrations and diagrams, the manual can deliver the reader an exact representation of the product and components. The use of easy to ready symbols and icons support the written content and technical illustrations. (Fig. 1.5)

Fig. 1.5
Conclusion
The Keurig, Inc., Keurig® K-Cup™ K70/K75 Platinum Brewer Owner’s Manual’s well-designed layout and elements not only delivers and well-written communication of product instructions, but effective resource for consumers who expect valuable support material that reflects superior quality.
References
Keurig® K-Cup™ K70/K75 Platinum Brewer Owner’s Manual (2013) Keurig, Inc., Retrieved from: http://www.keurig.com/~/media/Files/Keurig Brewer Manuals/2013 Use and Care Guides/Platinum Use Care Guide.ashx

Keurig, Incorporated is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.
Keurig® and K-Cup™ Copyright. 2014 Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.