Whenever I find something I think is interesting or useful, I like to let others know about it. Usually these items are technology, usability, accessibility, or web design and development-related. But not always. Sometime, it's just life. Here's the latest...
Those of you who know me IRL are well-aware of my deep and abiding love for Wacom tablets. To me, once you've used one, going back to the mouse is not an option - mice are simply too clumsy and awkward for regular use.
That said, I've always suspected that I could take my tablet to the next level, if I could just figure out what that level was. I found my answer - here are links to 40+ Wacom Tablet tutorials. Let the fun begin!
As such, this means that while the large percentage of people accessing online help are looking for that 30-second answer to their question; there is also a part of the audience that only have the help file to learn about the application and to guide them in getting started using it.
The reasons for this vary, sometimes:
there isn't any money left for training after paying for the application.
there isn't any time to go for training - either due to a looming deadline, or missing the window for the training class(es).
the person using the application doesn't have access to the printed User Manual because (1) they're being kept someplace "safe" (2) No printed User Manual exists.
the person sent to training isn't the person who really uses the application.
So if we are going to meet the needs of the larger audience, online help should contain all levels of information, clearly and cleanly organized so everyone can find what they need.
Easy to do? No, absolutely not. But who said this was going to be easy? ;-)
Simple, Yet Powerful - Google Does is Again Gotta love the Google. Check out this Google Docs 101 video. Smart, informative, and kinda funny. How many different ways can you see to use this idea to communicate with your clients or employees (or maybe the Boss!)?
. To me, once you've used one, going back to the mouse is not an option - mice are simply too clumsy and awkward for regular use.
