Complex instructions to operate equipment

Researchers at the University of Eindhoven found that a VCR or colour photocopy machine often is used at only 10 percent of its capacity because instructions are too complex. The English instructions for setting up a camera tripod (made in Korea) included: "To open the thighs, grab two thighs and pull them gently toward you".

1. Tolerances will accumulate unidirectionally toward maximum difficulty to assemble.

2. After an instrument has been assembled, extra components will be found on the bench.

3. Parts that positively cannot be assembled in improper order will be.

1. Introduction of complex machinery
2. Information overload during control of complex equipment
3. Complex services logistics

1. Interpretation and translation errors

1. Improving human capacity to respond to computer-generated decisions

1. Overcomplex
2. Confusion
3. Complexity