Client: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) – Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)
Services provided: Scoping study, research, technical analysis and report writing
Deliverables: Research strategy, evaluation of 25 product manuals, best practice recommendations and scoping study report
Project overview
The i-Team was commissioned by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), part of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), to undertake a scoping study into best practices in the design and writing of product instruction manuals.
The research focused on domestic appliances and formed part of OPSS’ Strategic Research Programme (SRP), which commissions high-quality, evidence-based research to inform product safety policy, regulatory development and enforcement.
The project demonstrated The i-Team’s expertise in scoping studies, technical research, information analysis and professional report writing, alongside our specialist knowledge of technical documentation and user instructions.
Project objectives
The primary objective was to assess the quality and effectiveness of existing product instruction manuals and identify opportunities to improve how manufacturers communicate essential product information, particularly safety instructions.
The study aimed to establish an understanding of current industry practices, evaluate existing documentation against recognised standards and identify areas where further research could contribute to improved product safety and usability.
Our approach: Scoping study and research
The i-Team developed a comprehensive research strategy and data-gathering methodology, which was well received by OPSS.
The scoping study involved reviewing 25 product instruction manuals across five domestic appliance categories:
- Fridges and freezers
- Cooking appliances
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines
- Tumble dryers
Our specialists examined the structure, presentation, clarity and usability of the manuals, with particular attention to the communication of safety-critical information.
The research also included a review of relevant literature, recognised standards and common industry practices to establish a broader understanding of best practice in instruction manual design and development.
Research findings and report writing
Drawing on the findings of the scoping study, The i-Team produced a research report presenting the analysis, observations and recommendations in a clear, structured and accessible format.
The report identified preliminary best practices for developing effective product instruction manuals, including recommendations for improving the clarity, consistency, presentation and accessibility of technical and safety information.
It also highlighted opportunities for further research into consumer behaviour, including how people interact with instruction manuals and the factors influencing whether they read, understand and follow product guidance.
These recommendations provided a foundation for developing more effective, user-focused approaches to product manual design.
Project outcomes
The study provided OPSS with valuable insights into the quality of existing domestic appliance manuals, common documentation practices and opportunities to improve the communication of product safety information.
The research contributed to a stronger evidence base for understanding the role of instruction manuals in consumer safety and helped identify priorities for further investigation into user behaviour, health and safety, and documentation effectiveness.
Through a combination of structured scoping studies, technical research and high-quality report writing, The i-Team demonstrated its ability to investigate complex subjects, analyse substantial volumes of information and communicate findings in a clear, practical and evidence-based manner.
The project also highlighted our capability to support government departments, regulatory organisations and businesses requiring independent technical research, documentation reviews and professionally written reports.
Click here to read the published report.