This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
In sum
Task-oriented information focuses on the user's tasks and is presented from the user's perspective. Divide task information into tasks and subtasks. Provide steps that are clear, imperative, and grouped for usability. Do not clutter task topics with conceptual information. Get your users "on task" as quickly as possible.
This chapter provides guidelines to help you ensure that your topics are task oriented. Refer to the examples in the chapter for practical applications of these guidelines.
When you review technical information for task orientation, you can use the checklist on page 46 in two ways:
-
As a reminder of what to look for, to ensure a thorough review
-
As an evaluation tool, to determine the quality of the information
Based on the number and severity of items that you find, decide how the information rates on each guideline for this quality characteristic. You can then add your findings to "Quality checklist" on page 387, which covers all the quality characteristics.
Although the guidelines are intended to cover all areas for this quality characteristic, you might find additional items to add to the list for a guideline.
|
Guidelines for task orientation |
Items to look for |
Quality rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Write for the intended audience. |
|
1 2 3 4 5 |
|
Present information from the user's point of view. |
|
1 2 3 4 5 |
|
Indicate a practical reason for information. |
|
1 2 3 4 5 |
|
Focus on real tasks, not product functions. |
|
1 2 3 4 5 |
|
Use headings that reveal the tasks. |
|
1 2 3 4 5 |
|
Divide tasks into discrete subtasks |
|
1 2 3 4 5 |
|
Provide clear, step-by-step instructions |
|
1 2 3 4 5 |
|
Note: The scale for the quality rating goes from very satisfied (1) to very dissatisfied (5). |
||