Usable Help http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/ Examining onscreen user assistance for computers, software, and consumer products. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:24:19 -0500 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 uhcomments@g2meyer.com en-us http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/elements/logo4rss.gif Usable Help http://www.usablehelp.com/ 44 43 Too simple to believe http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/488.html Even the simplest of procedures can confuse users if they expect things to be harder than the really are. A Macworld article provides an example. Instructional search engine http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/487.html The new FindHow search engine puts trusted instructional materials within easy reach. An example of simple Wiki-based instructions http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/486.html When it comes to wiki-based documentation, "just do it" comes to mind. Error messages that help http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/485.html A systematic approach to error messages can greatly improve results. See Dick sudo http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/484.html A child's guide to home server technology brings a smile, from a surprising source. Contextual cues for the user http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/483.html A case study in using contextual help to alert users to product features. Keyword access to websites http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/482.html Instead of giving your readers URLs, teach them to search. Why customers write their own documentation http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/481.html An O'Reilly survey provides insight into the motivation of would-be technical communicators. Updated job aid creation tool http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/480.html ScreenSteps 2 says that traditional documentation is broken, and provides the fix. Acknowledging the medium http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/479.html Instead of bemoaning the design fidelity of onscreen presentations, use the capability to better present your documentation.