Techniques of Description - Description of Mechanisms and Processes

Technical Description

For giving a good technical description, one needs the following –
1. Good command over the language
2. Ability to state and explain things clearly
3. Ability to see, analyse and understand relationships among elements, objects, concepts clearly

Bases of Description
1. Sensory data – Information provided by the five sense organs – the eyes, the ears, the nose, the tongue and the skin
2. The uses or functions of the different parts or qualities

Techniques of Description: Two techniques are involved in the description of mechanisms and processes:
1. Definition: A concise (brief) statement of the most significant aspects/constituents/features of an object or idea.

Three parts of the definition are: Term, Classification and differentiation

i. The term: It is the word, phrase or conveying precise limited meaning in the context in which it has been used
ii. Classification – The class to which the term belongs
iii. Differentiation – Statement of the ways the term is different from the other items in the class. The specific functions it performs are described here.
Example: A machine is a device that helps us to do more work by using less energy and time.

 To complete the description, the definition is then followed by an account of the various parts of the term defined. For example, we can go on to name the different parts of a machine and describe the functions they perform.

Sometimes, the definition may follow the description rather than precede it.

A good definition has the following qualities:

i. Uses simple words that do not need to be explained or defined
ii. Is comprehensive from the reader’s point of view.
iii. Does not use abstract words
iv. May sometimes add what it (the term defined) is not.
v. May sometimes refer to the origin, cause or effects of the term.
The last two are especially useful for defining while defining abstract or conceptual terms.

2. Classification: Classification is an intermediate term. It is used both in definition and description. Keep in mind the following things while classifying a term:
i. State the name of the term being classified clearly. Define it if necessary.
ii. Indicate clearly the basis of your classification e.g. size, function, nature, look, taste etc.
iii. Label the classes into which you categorise your items i.e. give them names
iv. Describe briefly the common features of the items included in each class
Extent of Description: The extent i.e. the amount of details to be given and the categories established here depend on the purpose or objective of description.

Describing Mechanisms

The description of a mechanism contains the following steps:
i. Overall description of the physical characteristics of the machine and its mechanism
ii. Description of the details i.e. naming and describing the functions of the different parts of the machine. This must follow a logical order.
a. Describing in the order of their function when the machine is put into motion. If two parts function simultaneously, they may be described in the order of the importance of their function.
b. In the order of the importance of the functions of the parts.
c. Spatially i.e. from top to bottom, from inside to outside, from left to right or vice versa
d. Size – Smaller to bigger or vice versa
e. Colour

Describing processes

The focus in describing a mechanism is on the object but in describing a process, the focus is on its working. So
i. Each steps must be described clearly.
ii. It must be shown that the different steps constitute a chain leading to an end result.
iii. The order of description of the steps may be based on time, function, importance or space.
iv. In case of a variation to an established process, it must be stated clearly.
v. A clear account of the end result or outcome or product of the process must be given.
Summary of Description
A. Description of Machines/Mechanisms
i. Machines
i. Basic principles or theory if necessary
ii. General description
iii. Specific description according to function, importance or spatial arrangement of different parts
B. Description of processes
i. Basic principles or theory
ii. General description
iii. Materials and machines involved
iv. Steps in the process
v. Variations in the process, if any

vi. Product or end result

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