Examining documentation and help systems since 2002
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Gordon R. Meyer
Copyright 2002-2012
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Quick reference cards
It used to be somewhat common for software to come with a laminated (or heavy-stock) "quick reference" guide to all of the keyboard shortcuts that the product supported. Word Perfect, for example, had a cardboard shell that slipped around the function keys and defined each of the three commands that could be triggered by pressing the keys.
Today, even for products that support seemingly dozens of shortcuts, quick reference cards are rarely provided. This is mostly due to cost cutting measures and electronic software distribution, but placing a greater emphasis on the graphical user interface is also a factor.
The reference card's demise as a standard deliverable creates an opportunity for third-party documentation vendors. KeyGuide, Digital Content Factory, and Max Overlays are examples.
Posted: July 10, 2003 link to this item, respond to this item