Keywords:
documentation, documentation usability,
information development, documentation standards,
usability testing, product development
DESCRIPTION OF THE SIG
User documentation, whether in print or "built in" to the
online user interface, is now a vital element of successful
computer products. Managers and developers recognize
that the common model of documentation as remediation
for deficient design must not persist, but they often don't
know how to build documentation usability into an ongoing
product-developmenteffort.
Therefore, this meeting is a forum on human factors in
computer documentation. With the growth of online user
support and the increasing integration of documentation
with the user interface, this SIG provides CHI ‘95 attendees
a specific opportunity to discuss recent developments in
documentation usability. Topics include:
- Addressing documentation usability early in the product
designprocess
- Qualitative and quantitative methods for collecting
documentation usability data
- Roles and relationships among documentation
specialists, user-interface designers, and software
developers
- Schedule and budget issues relating to documentation
usability
The structure of the SIG is informal discussion, moderated
by the session leaders. If attendees have additional issues
or concerns related to documentation usability, we welcome
them.
The first five minutes of the session will be used to create
and prioritize a list of specific topics for discussion. We
will audiotape the session and make either copies of the
tape or meeting notes (depending on volunteers) available
tothe SIG participants after the conference.
