A mechanism is usually referred to as an object or system comprising working parts, such as tools, instruments, and machines. However, mechanisms can also include the human body and complex systems like the universe or a city, where various parts interact like the components of a machine. Understanding mechanisms is crucial for technical individuals who regularly engage with them, as they need to comprehend their functions, appearances, constituent parts, and the manner in which these parts function collectively. This guide outlines the process of composing a mechanism description, also known as an object description.
A mechanism description is a concise report intended to provide the reader with a technical comprehension of the function, appearance, and operation of a specific object. It briefly summarizes these three aspects before delving into further details. This type of description breaks down an object in space into its components for careful examination. Various rhetorical strategies such as definition, partition, classification, and comparison/contrast can be used in this process.
In times of difficulty, one can always depend on prioritizing essential information over less significant details. For a technical writer, it is unnecessary to persuade the reader about the object’s excellence, worthiness, or fearfulness. Nevertheless, it is crucial to provide specific information. Instead of labeling an object as “adorably cute,” one could depict it as resembling a cartoon cow dressed in a pink ruffled skirt and allow readers to form their own judgment regarding its value. Simply offer a comprehensive description of the object that caters to your readers’ requirements. Comprehend your target audience.
Different organizations have different requirements for document descriptions. For example, a child safety organization may need a detailed description of a basic toy, including separate explanations on how each component is manufactured. On the other hand, a military recruitment office may only require a brief description of the complexity of a nuclear submarine. Regardless of length or content, it is important to start your introduction by clearly stating the purpose and scope of your document. Additionally, if your document is longer than a few paragraphs, the first paragraph should give an overview that defines the object and provides information on its function, appearance, and operation. Throughout history, salt has had various purposes for humanity.
Salt has had various uses throughout history. Ancient tribes used it to preserve meat, while people around the world use it to add flavor to their food. The Bible also mentions salt as a symbol of zest for life. Salt became so important in people’s diets that early nomads needed a way to carry it with them on their dangerous journeys. Additionally, ancient gerrymanders used a device that allowed them to distribute portions of salt onto their foods. This device eventually evolved into the salt shaker. Some beginning technical writers, who remember using extravagant words in an attempt to impress their high school English teachers, mistakenly believe that an introduction should provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.
Although a technical writer does not need to entertain or amaze the reader, they must provide the necessary information efficiently. This document provides manufacturing specifications for the entire line of Happy Homemaker “Praying Cow” salt shakers (Divine Bovine Industries model #00045). The “Praying Cow” salt shaker features a chubby, cartoonish cow with a ceramic finish that is hand-painted. It serves as a collectible item with its head bowed in prayer.
The animal’s body features a blue flower-print skirt design. The salt dispenser is cleverly integrated into the cow’s bonnet, which has six small holes arranged in a circular pattern for dispensing the salt. To refill the dispenser, simply twist off the bonnet. It’s important to note that the writer starts by introducing the reader to the document, with the rest of the content expected to provide measurements and other technical details, as indicated in the opening sentence. The summary paragraph assumes prior knowledge of a salt shaker’s definition and function, which is acceptable.
Including a description and picture is crucial in this case, as it would be unwise to exclude the appearance. However, our society is fortunate that this product is not real. Its purpose is to address the question of its functionality. In scenarios where the object is involved in a process, it might be necessary to give a concise explanation of that process. Nonetheless, keep this section brief. If your reader desires a thorough understanding of how the object operates, they probably already possess some knowledge about its usage.
Providing background information about an unfamiliar object is important in order to ensure understanding of the rest of the document. In some cases, it may be necessary to show a prototype of the mechanism description to a test user during usability testing. When describing the appearance of an object, classification can be used to break down its various components and describe each one in sequence.
The original Star Trek Enterprise is known as TV’s most famous fictional starship. It features a saucer-shaped primary hull, a cigar-shaped secondary hull, and two cylindrical warp pods. A horizontal strut suspends the secondary hull below and behind the saucer. The suspended section has a flat front with a deflector dish and a tapered back with clamshell doors that open to reveal a shuttle bay. The two cylindrical power units are supported by Eng pylons near the rear of the secondary hull. These pylons raise the power units above the horizontal dish and extend them outwards to roughly the same width as the saucer.
The object’s pods have red semicircular half-spheres on the front and tapered cylindrical fixtures on the rear. Although the content in the previous section is satisfactory, it may be difficult to read. To provide more details, it is recommended to break it down into smaller paragraphs. If you decide to divide your object into multiple nested layers of components, use a bulleted list format to help readers understand each section’s level of detail.
The primary hull showcases several visible features:
- The bridge: It is a circular and domed structure located at the center of the upper surface of the saucer.
- In “The Cage,” the first pilot episode, there is a special effects shot where characters positioned on the bridge are revealed as the camera zooms in on the model.
- This shot also appears as a flashback in another episode titled “The Menagerie, part l.”
- In Star Trek: The Next Generation, an added feature on the bridge set includes a ceiling window that provides a view of space; however, this window does not appear in the original series.
Lighting effects in the form of blinking running lights and windows are utilized on the vessel to improve its visual appeal. The saucer is distinguished by black painted capital letters on both its upper and lower surfaces, displaying “U.S.S. Enterprise” and “NC-1701.” Additionally, the saucer is equipped with phase’s and photon torpedoes, typically portrayed as originating from a spot near the center of its underside. This section seeks to address the query “How does it operate?” and can also be viewed as the final remarks for your paper.
Rarely will you benefit from crafting a standardized, uninteresting conclusion such as, ‘Therefore, this paper has demonstrated that the Postmaster 2000 Electric Toothpick Dispenser can be an engaging addition to the ambiance near the cash register at any restaurant.’ Even if an object lacks an exhilarating or noticeable mode of operation (e.g., a decorative item or a basic brick), the conclusion must still elucidate how its design aids in fulfilling its purpose.
