From Product Understanding to User-Focused Information
From Planning and Writing to Multilingual and Cross-Model Development
We gain a deep understanding of your products, technology, and processes to organize content around target users and real-world scenarios. Backed by four cores—Planning & Information Architecture, Writing, Document Editing & Production Management, and Visuals & Data Creation—we build the ideal production workflow and team for your project. From initial creation and legacy manual optimization to multi-model and multilingual rollouts, we provide comprehensive end-to-end support.
Four Cores That Drive Solutions
Planning & Information Architecture
We design the structure of the manual and determine how information will be delivered before writing begins.
We clarify the target users, usage scenarios, and product and business information. For new manuals, we map out the required information and design the structure of the table of contents. For legacy manuals, we analyze pain points and establish plans for improvement. Planning and information architecture serve the purpose of defining the complete vision, from delivery formats, HTML manual UI, and authoring guidelines, to post-launch revisions, updates, and ongoing operational support.
MoreWriting
We understand the product and technology, and tailor the information to the user.
We select the lead writer based on the product category and content of the project. Writers gain a full grasp of the product specifications and technical information by studying the specifications and design data, consulting with stakeholders, and checking the actual product when necessary. The order of the information, the expressions used, and the granularity of the descriptions are adjusted according to the target user and the usage scenarios. Our writers then write according to whether the project is a new manual or improvements to a legacy manual, and to suit the manner in which the manual will be provided and used.
MoreDocument Editing & Production Management
We manage the entire production process—from the creation of the base-language version to localization into multilingual versions.
We manage the entire production process using your supplied drafts or existing manuals, covering content and layout revisions, DTP and HTML creation, and expansion into multilingual versions. Through project coordination, global site integration, and custom productivity tools, we ensure on-time delivery with strict quality assurance. We also handle ongoing revisions and adaptation for other models and multiple languages.
MoreVisuals & Data Creation
We handle technical illustrations, video, DTP and automated typesetting, and data for generative AI.
In addition to the manuscript, manual creation requires the creation of visuals that convey the content, as well as other types of data necessary for providing and using a manual. We can accommodate a wide range of source materials, including technical drawings, CAD data, actual products, and provided manuscripts.
MoreManual Creation Track Record
From commercial devices and software to general consumer goods, we create manuals for a wide variety of product categories. In addition to booklets, PDFs, and HTML, we can tailor the format to suit the product and usage scenario, including embedded help content, on-screen text displays, websites, and operation guide videos.
Types of Manuals
- Instruction manuals
- Quick start guides
- Service manuals
- Parts catalogs
- Assembly manuals
- Web manuals
- Embedded help content (for users and maintenance)
- On-screen text (UI menus, messages)
- Operation guide videos
- Recipe collections
- Factory introduction videos
- Update information
Product categories
- PCs, mobile devices, and IT equipment
- Software applications
- Office equipment (multifunction devices, printers, etc.)
- Mobility and transportation devices (four-wheeled, two-wheeled, etc.)
- Imaging, audio, and optical equipment
- Home electronics and lifestyle products
- Household fixtures and systems
- Leisure and hobbies
- Medical and precision equipment
- Production and machine tools
- Construction, agriculture, and power production
Service Flow
Whether creating a completely new manual, revising an existing manual, or expanding into multiple languages, we construct the content of our services around the processes your order requires. The following outline represents our basic service flow.
STEP
Consultation
In the consultation, we confirm details such as the product and target users, the purpose of the project, provision of documents, the desired delivery format, and the delivery period. For revisions or expansion into multiple languages, we also assess the structure of existing data, the scope of updates, and current production workflows.
STEP
Planning and Estimate
Based on the information gathered in the consultation, we plan the scope of production, necessary processes, production system, confirmation methods, and schedule. When these are sorted out, we present the estimate along with the next steps. Once the content of the project has been confirmed and approved, production begins.
STEP
Production
Based on the product and reference materials, we create the manuscript, layout, illustrations and figures, video, and each type of data required for the project. When the project includes expansion into multiple languages, we create the base language version first. Instructions, revision details, and progress are organized by the production contact person.
STEP
Proofreading and Client Review
We carefully check the written content, alignment between text and illustrations, terminology and notation consistency, and formatting across all output media. We then submit the draft for your review and apply any requested revisions to the project data. For multilingual rollouts, translation and production of versions for each target language begin only after the base-language content is finalized.
STEP
Approval and Delivery
Once the data has been proofread and confirmed, we deliver the project in your specified format. We also manage post-delivery updates as your product line grows or specifications change. All future revisions and language additions are handled using your existing source data and production rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you handle manuals for highly specialized products and business fields?
- Yes, we can. We select the appropriate writers for the product category and project details. To gain a thorough understanding of the product, technology, and business, our writers will review the specification and design documents, consult with other people involved in the project, and, when necessary, check the actual product and operating environment. This process allows them to create an effective manuscript with the target user in mind.
- Can you evaluate manuals and provide improvements?
- Yes. We begin by understanding your current challenges and objectives for making improvements. From there, we review your documentation and consider the target audiences, use cases, support inquiry trends, and maintenance processes to pinpoint further areas for improvement. Finally, we organize these insights to establish a clear strategy for optimizing structure, content, writing style, and distribution formats.
- After delivery, can you revise manuals to align with updates to specifications and other changes?
- Yes. We can use your existing production assets and authoring rules from previous projects to update your manuals to reflect specification changes, new model variants, and rollouts in additional languages.
- Can you create multilingual versions of our manuals based on existing manuals?
- Yes, we can. We review the source manuscript or manual and arrange the necessary workflow, including translation, DTP, HTML creation, and proofreading of the localized versions. The base language for localization is not limited to Japanese or English. Our global team works together seamlessly according to the target languages and localization process, while your dedicated production contact person consolidates all instructions and keeps the project on schedule.
- In addition to paper manuals, can you also produce web-based manuals and videos?
- Yes. We assess your target users, usage scenarios, operating environments, and the frequency of your updates to define the specific roles of print, PDF, HTML, and video content. When the same content will be deployed across multiple formats, we maintain total consistency with the source data while adapting the structure and expressions for each type of media.
- Can we place a single order for everything from manual production to printing?
- Yes, we can handle it all. We build a customized workflow based on the project requirements, including revisions to existing manuscripts, DTP, translation, proofreading, and printing, with a dedicated production contact person to manage all of the instructions and track progress. We can also accommodate requests limited to specific processes, such as manual production only or printing only.
- Can we consult with you before all of our materials are fully prepared?
- Yes. We can start by reviewing your available reference materials and discussing your project objectives, target users, and preferred delivery formats. If any critical information is missing, we will meet with relevant personnel, inspect the actual product, and check the operating environment to develop a clear action plan and create a road map for the project as a whole.
- What do we need to prepare for a consultation?
- To get started, please share any materials you have available, such as current specification sheets, design documents, legacy manuals, technical drawings, CAD data, or notes on revisions. Please also let us know if it’s possible for us to inspect or view actual products, as well as under what conditions we may do so. Once we review your materials, we can let you know if any additional information is necessary, and advise you on the best way to collect that information.
- How are the production period and cost determined?
- The production period and deadline depend on a number of factors, such as the scope of the project, the condition of reference materials and existing data, the number of pages, the delivery format, the number of languages to be covered, and whether it is possible to inspect the actual product. After consultation, we arrange the necessary processes, production system, and schedule, and provide you with a plan for the project and an estimate of the cost.
Crestec can guide you to the right processes and help you define the way forward for any stage of production or materials. It all starts with a consultation.