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Subject:Re: Getting Started Manual From:Barbara Roll <broll -at- MICROSOFT -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 15 Sep 1998 08:30:08 -0700
Lisa writes:
I think a Getting Started manual should contain information about the
following:
Logging On
Logging Off
Screen Components
Navigation
How to use the online help provided
Overview information of the system components.
My employer mentioned including system requirements and customer
specific information but I am not sure those types of information should
be included. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
________________________________________________________
Getting Started is often the first things readers will review. Most users
refer to help only when they have a problem, but a getting started book will
be read from cover to cover by some users (especially if it's short and
snappy.)
One thing I believe users expect to find in a Getting Started is
installation and setup...what do they need to do before they can start
banking? Any potential problems they may encounter should be addressed
within the context of setup.
Otherwise, I agree with the writer who proposes common tasks, such as making
a deposit, checking a balance, making a payment. Getting the user through a
few common tasks with help them understand what they can do with the product
as it teaches them how the product works (including logging on and off,
screen components, navigation.) Users already do these tasks, so you are
presenting product-specific information in a familiar (and therefore
comforting) context.
I would include a section on using the online help following the information
on common tasks. You can present it as "where to go next." It's especially
nice to break out this information by user type. For example, you might
encourage an advanced user to explore the product on their own, but steer a
novice toward more help.
Systems requirements, if included at all, should be in an appendix. In my
opinion, the writer who pointed out that system requirements need to be
presented before the user purchases the product has the right idea.
