Product
Online Documentation
Roles
Editor
Photographer
Technical Writer
Tools
Apple Watch
iPhone 13 Max
Tabletop Tripod
Google Workspace
Lightroom
Photoshop
The mission of iFixit is empowering users and product owners to repair their items, rather than throw them away. For this project, I created documentation on how to replace a gasket on a Breville Duo-Temp 800ESXL using a non-functioning espresso machine I acquired from a neighbor.
Approach
The intent of this document was to illustrate how to replace a gasket as clearly and concisely as possible. The gasket is often the first piece of an espresso machine to fail, and is the first step in restoring an espresso machine. First, I conducted extensive research on this specific espresso machine. While guides and instructions did exist for more complex fixes for the Breville Duo, I was surprised to find limited information on performing basic maintenance tasks such as replacing the gasket. Additionally, locating parts for a discontinued product was tricky and required looking for corresponding designs and replacement parts from later models that would fit this earlier design.
In creating the documentation, I first thought about what tools and supplies were usually accessible to typical users. From there I focused on creating documentation that employed principles of minimalism with simple, scannable action steps and troubleshooting tips.
Step 1 | Determine tools and steps
Before performing the task of replacing the gasket, I first worked through potential ways to accomplish each step. How would I remove the gasket with the minimal number of tools? How tight does the screw within the group head really need to be? Asking these questions led me to the realization, users couldn’t perform the task without first accessing the group head itself, which required additional steps for removing accessories and repositioning the machine. With this information, I created a checklist to ensure I captured an image of the step performed.
Step 2 | Perform and document the fix
Next, I set up a white backdrop and lighting to perform the fix according to the iFixit photography guidelines. I used a small tabletop tripod for close up and overhead shots. I also utilized the iPhone camera integration with an Apple Watch to time and/or take pictures where camera positioning prevented easy access to the view screen. Using the Lightroom App, I imported photos directly into a library and applied lighting filters, crop, rotation and other adjustments and fixes to the photos.
Step 3 | Write and markup the documentation
With the photos updated and edited and a list of each step, I began the process of writing step-by-step documentation for the task. I utilized iFixit’s photo markup to highlight and provide additional guidance to users when performing the task. I also included warnings and suggestions in the event the user encountered an error.
Final document
The final guide contains a total of ten steps with multiple photos for each step and includes disassembly, cleaning, replacing the part, and reassembly. Markup on each photo directly relates to a single action performed within the step.