Write It Do It

Overview

Write It Do It tests precise technical communication: one partner writes an instruction set for a model; the other reconstructs it without seeing the original. Performance depends on standardized notation, spatial references, and ambiguity control.

Writer strategies

• Global frame: define a fixed reference (front/back/left/right), orientation (x/y/z), and naming scheme for parts (e.g., BRICK‑2x4‑RED = B24R).
• Inventory: count and list parts with quantities before writing; note duplicates and unique features (studs, holes, colors, lengths).
• Step structure: use short, numbered steps; one action per step; order steps from stable base to details; avoid backtracking.
• Phrasing: avoid vague terms ("a little"); specify positions ("attach centered on the long edge, studs facing up"); use consistent units and counts (studs/holes/pegs).
• Modularity: define subassemblies with names; re‑use references ("attach SUB‑A to SUB‑B at…").
• Error traps: explicitly state symmetry or lack thereof; warn about similar parts ("choose the shorter of the two blue rods").

Builder strategies

• Pre‑read: scan entire instruction set; lay out parts by category and color; stage subassemblies.
• Parse and confirm: mark completed steps, annotate uncertain phrases, maintain orientation consistently; re‑check counts after each module.
• Stability first: prioritize steps that lock geometry; brace assemblies before handling.

Notation toolkit (suggested)

• Parts: [NAME]=[TYPE][SIZE][COLOR] (e.g., P1=B24R); provide a legend at top.
• Orientation: +x right, +y forward, +z up relative to base; rotations in 90° increments unless stated.
• Placement: (offset_x, offset_y, offset_z) in studs/holes/units from a defined origin corner.
• Repetition: "Repeat step 7 mirrored across x‑axis"; "Repeat ×4 around z‑axis at 90° increments".
• Clock: Pin at 2:00.

Common failure modes and fixes

• Ambiguous reference frames → always define front and origin; keep constant.
• Similar parts confusion → preface with a parts key and distinguishing features.
• Large steps with multiple actions → split into atomic steps.
• Unstable partial builds → re‑order steps to create a stable base earlier.

Worked micro‑examples

1. Symmetry callout

• "Place two B24R parallel, studs up, long edges along +y at offsets (0,0,0) and (0,4,0). Bridge with a B26B centered at y=2." This eliminates mirroring ambiguity.

2. Rotation clarity

• "Rotate SUB‑A 90° about +z (clockwise when viewed from +z) before attachment."

3. Counting studs

• "Attach P3 so its left edge is 1 stud from the −x edge and centered along +y; 4 studs remain visible on each exposed short edge."

Practice prompts

• Write a 15‑step instruction set for a 10–15 piece model with at least one rotation and one mirror.
• Convert a poorly written set into precise, stepwise instructions; list each ambiguity you removed.
• As builder, annotate the minimal set of clarifications that would have eliminated your errors.

Pitfalls

• Failing to lock orientation terms; oscillating between color/shape terms without part codes; omitting counts.

References

• SciOly Wiki – Write It Do It: https://scioly.org/wiki/index.php/Write_It,_Do_It