Distribute manuals as diagrams, not text

Now that the flyer creation tool has taken shape, it is finally time to distribute it to each store. What I created here is not a thick instruction manual, but a single-page guide focused on diagrams with minimal text.

Once the tool was finished, the next step was to think about 'how to distribute it'

While the tool itself was kept simple, that doesn't mean the explanation for those distributing it should be sloppy. If the usage isn't communicated, it will end up not being used at all. Therefore, for the initial test run, I decided to properly prepare informational materials.

A format of '3 steps + actual mini-diagrams + 4 benefits + 1 line of reassurance'

What I created is a single A4 vertical usage guide. The content consists of three steps: (1) Enter the session (issue name and period are entered automatically), (2) Enter the product (tax-included price and markup rate are calculated automatically), and (3) Output (print on one A4 horizontal sheet or output to Excel). In addition, I showed the flyer structure (monthly focus, weekly continuous, daily specials) with mini-diagrams close to the actual product, listed four benefits of using it, and finally added a single line regarding security.

Instead of explaining at length with text, I made it into a format that can be understood immediately upon looking at it. I focused on limiting each element to one line and keeping the entire thing on one page.

The distribution procedure itself was also summarized in the same tone

Not only how to use the tool, but also the distribution procedure was summarized on a separate sheet. Where to save it, which browser to open it in, and testing it once before full-scale operation. I am guiding them through the entire flow, from distributing the file itself to getting it into operation, rather than just ending it at distribution.

I did not hide the points of caution, but included them on the same sheet

Another thing I was conscious of was writing down the points of caution properly. Since the system is designed so that data is saved only on each store's computer, I made sure to explain that if browsing data is deleted, the flyer history will also be deleted, and that moving the file to another computer will not move the data inside. Rather than just emphasizing the convenient parts, I decided to honestly convey the parts that might cause trouble if they are unaware of them, using the same tone.

Summary: The less you explain, the more you convey

The tool and the distribution guide shared the same underlying philosophy. The more features and information you pack in, the less it actually gets across. 3 steps, mini-diagrams, 4 benefits, points of caution. By narrowing down the elements and fitting them onto one page, I felt that I was getting closer to something that would actually be used properly.

I believe that when creating and distributing, the decision to cut rather than add is what ultimately proves effective.