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Usable Help written by

Gordon R. Meyer

Copyright 2002-2008

Contextual cues for the user

Mac OS X features built-in "Help Tags" (similar to Tool Tips) that label, and sometimes explain, interface elements. But sometimes you want to present more than just a few words of text or direct users to interface elements that are not directly under the mouse pointer.

The application Lab Tick solved this problem by implementing an open source "attached window." It's attractive and solves this type of problem in an interesting way. See Matt Gemmell's site for the source.

See also: Context-Sensitive Help Primer and Adobe's Elemental Help.

Posted: Friday, April 18, 2008 link to this item, respond to this item