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Subject:Minimal doc (was admin: PC vs. Mac) From:Jeroen Hendrix <jhe -at- POLYDOC -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 22 Dec 1998 10:51:14 +0100
AlQuin wrote:
>I think this is another example of a minimal documentation approach: just
>describe the exceptions, the very occasionals (errors, hazards, etc) and
>make the machine, procedure, etc as self-evident as possible.
>Only then your manuals will be used effectively.
>
>
>Ever saw a user manual to use a chair...?
Well yes,
My office chair for instance came with a manual , to describe all the
different levers, buttons etc. complete with instructions how to sit and
how to use it ergonomically to avoid back problems. Apparently sitting in a
chair isn't as self-explanatory as one thinks. What's obvious to one,
isn't necessarily as obvious to the next person. A hazard in minimal
documentation. Again: the audience is everything, never suppose they know
how to sit on a chair.
Regards,
Jeroen Hendrix
PolyDoc
The Netherlands
Mail to: jhe -at- polydoc -dot- com
Web: www.polydoc.com
