Procedural tables vs. numbered steps.

Subject: Procedural tables vs. numbered steps.
From: Ron Sering CDS <ronaldse -at- MANX -dot- CDS -dot- TEK -dot- COM>
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 11:27:51 MDT

I searched the archives for comparisons between numbered procedures and procedural tables. The info is somewhat limited but indicates that sometimes tables are appropriate and sometimes they're not. I'm proposing a rationale for using procedural tables in situations where the user audience is more experienced, and using numbered, step-by-step procedures in cases where the audience is new or inexperienced and may need more "hand-holding." The greater detail and more intuitive structure of numbered steps provide more user-friendly access to the information, and also facilitates "chunking" of the tasks.

Procedural tables are more space-saving and minimalist in their presentation of info.

D'ya think this argument holds water? It sounds good to me....


- Ron Sering

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