Technical English for Electrical & Computer Engineers

Mehdi Delrobaei

Spring 2020

Unit 3: Product Specifications and User Manual

Class Discussion

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We are looking for an engineer who brings fresh ideas from areas such as distributed computing, large-scale system design, and networking and data storage. As a software engineer, you will work on a specific project critical to Google’s needs with opportunities to switch teams and projects as you and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. We need our engineers to display leadership qualities and be enthusiastic to take on new problems across the full-stack as we continue to push technology forward.

A. Google is willing to hire a manager in the field of data mining. B. The applicant would have the possibility to work on a variety of different

projects. C. The applicant should express excellent business development skills. D. The employee would only be responsible for a single project relevant to

distributed computing.

3

“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”

Albert Einstein

Product Specification

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A product specification (spec) is a blueprint that describes what you are creating, who you are creating it for, and what the final product should be.

A product description may include: • A brief description of the product • The target group • Specific descriptions of the product • The assembly procedure • Finishing and packaging procedures • Selling price

Product Specs Example

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• Marketing has identified that users want a way to know if the speakers are

ON.

• The Industrial Designers like the appearance of a single LED near the

base of the speaker because it is simple and easy to understand because

it is commonly used to denote Power, but this choice is not related to

branding or a related family of products so it is not a requirement.

• Engineering may identify an off-the-shelf volume knob that is lit when

powered which removes the need for the LED and perhaps some

additional internal electronic components.

• Because of the definitions, changing from the LED to an illuminated knob

would only require notification of the Project Manager, who should

probably consult with the Industrial Designers, but it does not require

changing the specification. Furthermore, while a preference has been

shown for green, any color would satisfy the spec.

Source: keytechinc.com

Product Specs

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“Defining a detailed product specification up-front forces all of the stakeholders to think about the real functionality and identity of the finished product, even before the designers and engineers have put real effort into the development. Often, the process of creating the spec can eliminate a lot of the dead-end design paths before they begin. Every project is different, so it’s not simple to create a template or checklist to consider every possibility. Asking questions helps a lot!”

Source: keytechinc.com

User Manual

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What is included in a User Manual?

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• Cover page • Copyright page • Table of Contents • General Information on the product • How to operate, install, log-on, use the program • What prompts to expect, information required, error

messages • Getting help with a FAQ section • Safety and trouble-shooting section • Where to find further help, and contact details • Glossary/Index • Feedback section

Sample User Manual

9 Source: philips.com

Sample User Manual

10 Source: philips.com

Sample User Manual

11 Source: philips.com

Sample User Manual

12 Source: philips.com