Usable Help

Examining onscreen user assistance for computers, software, and consumer products.

An example of simple Wiki-based instructions - (Found June 19, 2008 )

When it comes to wiki-based documentation, "just do it" comes to mind.
http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/486.html

One-on-One envy - (Found June 19, 2008 )

Personalized, individual training at the Apple Stores might make tech writers long for more outside contact.
http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/476.html

Acknowledging the medium - (Found June 19, 2008 )

Instead of bemoaning the design fidelity of onscreen presentations, use the capability to better present your documentation.
http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/479.html

Updated job aid creation tool - (Found June 19, 2008 )

ScreenSteps 2 says that traditional documentation is broken, and provides the fix.
http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/480.html

Why customers write their own documentation - (Found June 19, 2008 )

An O'Reilly survey provides insight into the motivation of would-be technical communicators.
http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/481.html

Keyword access to websites - (Found June 19, 2008 )

Instead of giving your readers URLs, teach them to search.
http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/482.html

Contextual cues for the user - (Found June 19, 2008 )

A case study in using contextual help to alert users to product features.
http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/483.html

See Dick sudo - (Found June 19, 2008 )

A child's guide to home server technology brings a smile, from a surprising source.
http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/484.html

Error messages that help - (Found June 19, 2008 )

A systematic approach to error messages can greatly improve results.
http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/485.html

Apple mockumentation - (Found June 19, 2008 )

If only more products were documented like the "iHam."
http://www.g2meyer.com/usablehelp/singles/475.html