Choose Your Fix

To begin your project, choose one main topic and two alternate topics that align with your Repair Experience Inventory worksheet. These Fast Fix topics should be physical items (not software) in your life that you'd like to show how to fix—preferably something that has a straightforward solution (for example, a broken flip-flop, scratched CD, or leaking sink). A good rule of thumb is that your guide should require six or more steps (individual actions or instructions). The main requirement is to choose something that is not already documented on iFixit. Go to iFixit.com and use the search bar at the top of the page to make sure your fix isn't already documented on iFixit. Check out this video for tips on how to get the best search results on iFixit.

Topic Ideas

If you're not sure what to fix, think about the following questions:

  • What is something you wish you knew how to fix?

  • What things have been broken in the home? Why did they break, and what was the cost to replace them?

  • What things could you not live without?

  • What things have been thrown away? Why?

  • What repair knowledge can you apply to your hobbies or areas of interest?


Have an idea that you're not sure will work? Think about this:

  • Does it restore the item to a condition where it will work for a long time?

  • Is it how a professional would do the repair? Or at least a process that you’d find recommended as a DIY solution by a professional or handyman?

  • Does the repair process take at least six steps?

  • Most importantly, will this repair be helpful to a real user looking to fix their thing?

For your topic, consider working on one of the many possible fixes listed here:

Keep in mind, the item you choose doesn't necessarily have to be broken. In these examples, the record and zipper guides didn't require damaged items in order to show the correct repair procedure. On the other hand, if you wanted to do a drywall repair guide, you'd probably need some damaged drywall in order to show what's being fixed. Use your best judgment, and plan your guide carefully.

Things to Avoid

Remember that iFixit's audience is focused on repair, so your guide must show how to fix something. In general, you should avoid writing guides for merely cleaning or lubricating items that are otherwise in working order. (We’re not opposed to maintenance procedures, provided it's something that real people would likely need a guide for, and that it helps prevent the need for repairs in the future.)

We want you to be able to pick a topic that genuinely excites you and aligns well with your skill set, but we need to ensure that your topic and procedure is safe. Fixes that involve the following are off-limits:

  • Car jacks or stands

  • Working underneath a vehicle

  • Open flames

  • CRT monitors/TVs

  • Microwaves

  • Weapons

  • Drug paraphernalia

  • Any fix that can result in fatality or permanent injury

In addition, please avoid fixes that involve the following:

  • Device teardowns or disassemblies

  • Software

  • Custom PC builds

  • Cleaning or lubricating

  • Topics that have already been documented on iFixit

EXAMPLE PAGES

The following examples give a good idea of what your completed guide should look like.

If you have any questions about choosing a fix, or if you’d like to run an idea past us before writing your proposal, feel free to shoot us an email at techwriting[at]ifixit[dot]com.