Approach for user manual

[Mike Starr]

The two basic approaches are task-based and reference-based documentation.

Task-based documentation tackles how to accomplish the most common tasks the 
user must know how to perform, usually using step-by-step procedures. In the 
course of explaining the procedures, one typically explains the screen 
objects (windows, controls, etc.) encountered.

Reference-based documentation explores the entire user interface and 
provides a description of every dialog box and menu item.

My own opinion is that good documentation should contain both task-based and 
reference-based documentation. Whether this all comes together in a 
comprehensive document is a matter of corporate style and philosophy. 
However, I believe that every control on a dialog box should be explained in 
some way. The programming environment provides for F1 help, tooltip text and 
status bar text for every one of those objects. I figure I'm going to have 
to write all of that stuff anyway, why not create a reference manual in the 
process? In addition, I believe the user is entitled to a fairly 
comprehensive procedure-based documentation. They need to be able to look up 
"How do I adjust the muffler bearings?", etc.

So my answer to your question of which one is more suitable? Both. Will your 
company allow you to do that? It's up to the pointy-haired bosses <grin>.

Best regards,

Mike

Best regards,

Mike
--
Mike Starr                            WriteStarr Information Services
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----- Original Message -----
From: Samir Sachdeva (STEAG) <s.sachdeva at steagindia.in>
Subject: Approach for user manual

Hi All,

Can anyone explain me the difference between a screen-based approach and a 
task-based approach for writing a user manual. I need to start the 
documentation of a new product and my company has asked me to evaluate both 
these approaches and find the more suitable one. The product is Simulator, 
which simulates the complete working of a power plant and shows it on the 
screen.

Thanks in advance,

Samir Sachdeva
www.t-t-t-online.com