Technical Description / Process Analysis Hybrid Report

Technical Description is a verbal and visual representation of the physical characteristics of objects, devices, or mechanisms. Technical Descriptions address the five senses and also address the static and dynamic qualities of the object, device, or mechanism.

Process Analysis is an explanation of how something was or is accomplished. There are two basic forms: Informative and Directive.

1. Informative Process Analysis: a chronological and/or historical account used to explain how a process was or is accomplished.

2. Directive Process Analysis: a written set of steps in a procedure to be performed by an operator. The form is a chronological numbered sequence (Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, etc.)

Hybrid Report Outline

ü General Introduction to Hybrid Report:

o Definition of object, device, or mechanism – purpose and function.

o Audience – to whom you are writing (use concepts from audience analysis here)

o Overall Description of Physical Characteristics: shape, dimensions, weight, materials, texture, color, Finish, etc.

o Theory – scientific principles pertinent to overall mechanism and/or individual parts.

o Pertinent Background Information (if any)

o Principle of Operation: a brief explanation of the overall process, which might include the qualifications of an operator and when and where the operation or process is performed.

o Conditions: requirements, preparations, cautions, dangers, tools, materials, apparatus, supplies needed to accomplish process (as needed).

ü Body Section:

o Technical Description of each individual parts (duplicate this section for each major part):

§ Definition – purpose and function of the individual part.

§ Part Description – Describe shape, dimensions, weight, materials, texture, color, finish, etc. of each individual part (include graphics if necessary).

§ Theory – applicable scientific principles that help to explain function.

§ List of Subparts (if any) – include definition, theory, and description (within reason and as needed).

o Process Analysis (associated with each Individual part):

§ Explain how this part functions

§ Explain how this part is attached to neighboring parts

§ Explain how this part interacts with neighboring parts