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Subject:Re: QA and Usability Testing From:Michael Lewis <lewism -at- BRANDLE -dot- COM -dot- AU> Date:Wed, 14 Jan 1998 10:21:29 +1100
Burke, Diane wrote:
>
> The input of technical writers, who are often the first users of a
> software product, can be invaluable in usability testing.
>
> ... This presents a very good argument for including
> documentation at the beginning of the design process rather than at the
> end.
Absolutely. I've been saying for years that VCR control panels would be
very different if user documentation experts had been involved at the
product design stage. Unfortunately, though, both the product designer
and the user expect the documentation to solve the design problem. Who
do users blame for their difficulty in programming their VCRs? The
writers, not the designers! 'Tain't out fault, but we wear it.
--
Michael Lewis
Brandle Pty Limited, Sydney, Australia
PO Box 1249, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012
Tel +61-2-9310-2224 ... Fax +61-2-9310-5056
