Chapter 13 - Discussion

 

 

  1. Describe the difference between reading on paper and reading on a computer display. Give at least three disadvantages for each method.

 

  1. Describe how you can apply the OAI model to designing user manuals.

 

  1. Defend the use of on-line communities for user assistance. Give a well-rounded argument by pointing out both the weaknesses and strengths.

 

  1. Your documentation team has developed an online help support for instant messaging client. You are hiring a usability testing firm to evaluate the online help and recommend improvements. Prepare a contract that specifies how you want the usability test to be performed and what reports you would like to receive. Your schedule gives them one week to prepare the study, one week to run it, plus one week to write up the final report. In your contract, specify the details of your requirements, including such information as the number of subjects required, test plans and the types of reports.

 

  1. Describe the role user manuals, online help, and tutorials play in the lifecycle of a piece of software. Decide when these help materials should be created in the software design cycle.