Choose one topic to answer, about online documentation
Respond to one of the following topics.
- In their article, Baehr and Lang note that “Vannevar Bush envisioned information overload as one of the main problems facing workers in the computer-based information age. Today, content management and data mining are two important information management approaches that represent a blending of hypertext and Web 2.0 traits. For example, building an XML database may involve developing a structured authoring approach (rhizomatic schema or information model), multi-purpose templates (blending content types and style sheets), interactive navigation (intertextual user search and help tools), and methods for testing, mining, and archiving the data (usability, research).” (p. 48). They go on to further contend that current Web 2.0 tools allow for greater interaction between author and reader. What challenges do you think arise from creating online documentation that seeks to reduce information overload through targeted information models and delivery systems, but at the same time allows users flexibility in how they interact with that information?
- Tom Johnson in his article states, “Even if you get a user to the right topic, the topic often fails the user. Many users know this, which is why they often don’t bother to consult the help at all.” Have you had the experience of having online help fail you? Describe the situation (Why did you need the help? How did it fail to meet your needs?), then detail what you as an author could have done to rectify this failure.
- Online documentation encompasses many forms such as online help, interactive web-based tutorials, and screen tips. What comes first to your mind when you hear the term “online documentation”? Did you find any items in this week’s lecture that you had not thought about being under the umbrella of online documentation? Are there items you would add to this list? How would you define online documentation to someone with little technical knowledge?
