Writing the User Docs first?

[Andrew Warren]

Gordon McLean wrote:

> I work in a Dev team that uses the XP (Agile) development methodology.
> 
> Given that, in XP, there is a focus on little to no documentation
> during the design/build of the software, I've been pondering how the
> Publications team can fill that gap, namely by writing as complete a
> draft as early as possible and getting buy-in from the Dev team that
> they'll use the user docs whilst developing the software.
> 
> Sound odd?

Not to me.

Years ago, when I was running an engineering-consultation company, I did exactly what you're suggesting... Not because we were (gag) XP developers, but because most of my clients weren't trained engineers, so it was really difficult for them to write good functional specs for the products they wanted me to build.

Writing the User's Manual first, and using that as the functional spec, was VERY beneficial for all involved.

Here's what I had to say on the topic last year:

    http://www.techwr-l.com/archives/0607/techwhirl-0607-00589.html

-Andrew