Describing the Object
This page provides tips and steps to help you describe your object in the wiki project.
What to Do
1️⃣Get to know your object. Visually inspect it. Try to use it. Measure the dimensions and weight. Look at it from every angle. The first step in describing something clearly is understanding it better. Take notes while you learn about your object.
2️⃣Create a table with your notes’ key dimensions and take photographs. You can insert these photos into the description section to show people. You can sketch the object or create a diagram showing the dimensions and key components.
3️⃣Return to the user situation your group picked. Tailor the level of detail to your employee and their role in the company (will they be using this equipment and need a more in-depth understanding, OR is this something they need to understand better generally because it is important to the industry).
Familiarization
You must start with some research and a primary understanding of the object. If you pick something you can access, this process is easier. If you picked equipment you don’t have access to, you will need to watch and read more content from others using/building/interacting with the equipment.
- Immerse Yourself: Physically interact with the equipment. Get your hands dirty! Explore its components, buttons, displays, and connections. This hands-on experience ignites a deeper understanding than any diagram.
- Consult Resources: Gather technical specifications, manuals, and online resources like data sheets and product pages. Dive into its operational principles, capabilities, and potential limitations.
- Seek Clarification: Don’t hesitate to reach out to experts. Speak to engineers, product developers, or experienced users within the company or online communities. Ask questions, clarify unclear aspects, and gain insights from their practical knowledge.
- Break it Down: Mentally disassemble the equipment into its key components and subsystems. Understand their functions and how they interact to achieve the overall functionality. Think of it as building a mental map of the machine.
- Identify Key Features: Define the core functionalities and unique features that distinguish this equipment from its competitors. Analyze their impact on user experience and potential applications.
- Visualize where possible: Incorporate high-quality images, diagrams, and even short video clips to illustrate complex concepts and procedures. Visuals often speak louder than words, especially for technical concepts.
Begin with fundamental principles and basic operations. Gradually introduce advanced features and troubleshooting steps as users gain confidence. Remember, clarity and depth depend on the user scenario your group chose.
AI Prompting
The AI interns are very good at this task. You should write these descriptions independently so you know how to do it. If you work for a company making proprietary stuff, they will likely become BIG MAD at you for inputting details to the AI intern instead of describing it yourself (because then your intern’s developers will have all those details and such).
So… don’t use the intern this time. Below is an example you can analyze and model, though.
Gemini Prompt: Write a technical description for a Logitech webcam
Technical Description: Logitech Webcam
1. Overview:
A Logitech webcam is a digital video camera designed for capturing video and still images, primarily for use with computers and other digital devices. It connects via USB or wirelessly using protocols like Bluetooth, allowing real-time communication and video conferencing applications.
2. Key Components:
- Image Sensor: Converts light into digital signals, determining resolution, clarity, and low-light performance. Common types include CMOS and CCD.
- Lens: Captures and focuses light onto the sensor. Features like autofocus, zooming, and manual adjustments may be present.
- Microphone (optional): Captures audio for video calls and recordings. Quality and directionality vary based on the model.
- Processor: Processes image and audio data for transmission and recording.
- Connectivity Interface: USB or wireless (Bluetooth, RF).
- Housing: Encloses the components and provides mounting options (clip, tripod mount).
3. Functionality:
- Video Capture: Records video at various resolutions and frame rates (FPS) depending on the model. Common resolutions include 720p, 1080p, and 4K.
- Image Capture: Takes still images at varying resolutions.
- Microphone (optional): Records audio along with video, enabling two-way communication.
- Autofocus (optional): Automatically adjusts focus for a clear image, even with movement.
- Digital Zoom (optional): Magnifies the image digitally, potentially sacrificing image quality.
- Field of View (FOV): Angle of view captured by the camera, impacting the amount of scene visible.
- Software: Logitech often provides companion software for settings adjustments, video effects, and recording controls.
4. Technical Specifications:
- Resolution: Video and still image resolution (e.g., 720p, 1080p, 4K).
- Frame Rate (FPS): Number of frames captured per second, affecting video smoothness.
- Field of View (FOV): Wide-angle, standard, or narrow options.
- Autofocus: Yes/No and type (fixed focus, fixed focal length).
- Zoom: Digital zoom and magnification level.
- Microphone: Yes/No and specifications (directional, omnidirectional).
- Connectivity: USB or wireless protocol.
- Software Compatibility: Operating systems and applications supported.
5. Applications:
- Video conferencing: For online meetings, presentations, and communication.
- Live streaming: Broadcasting gameplay, events, or other activities.
- Video recording: Creating home videos, tutorials, or presentations.
- Social media: Sharing videos and images on platforms like Zoom, Skype, Discord, and YouTube.
Note: This description is a general overview and may not encompass all features or variations present in specific Logitech webcam models. It’s recommended to consult the specific model’s technical specifications for detailed information.
More Resources!
Watch and read these extra resources to help you with the mechanical description.
Technical Descriptions – Technical Writing for Technicians (pressbooks.pub)
