Applying Computer Analysis and Design Techniques to Document Component-Based Software  

Facing the challenges involved in developing documentation for component-based software (for example, object-oriented technology, intelligent agents, and distributed computing) requires a documentation strategy based on the same processes and methodologies used by such technologies. These strategies need to be adapted to meet documentation, rather than coding needs. Developing this strategy now, as component-based technology is still maturing, will help technical communicators keep pace.

Bachmann, Karen L. and Ginger Doherty. STC Proceedings (1998). Articles>Documentation>Software

Communities of Practice: Dealing with the Changes in the Technical Communication Field

STC has been challenged by the changing economy and the evolving nature of our work and career development. These challenges have required Society leaders to look carefully into how the STC should change to better serve a diverse and global membership.

Bachmann, Karen L. Usability Interface (2004). Articles>TC>Community Building>STC

Electronic Voting: Usability, Communication, Trust

Beyond just the undeniable importance of a usable form and voting mechanism, is the need to consider the comfort and satisfaction of voters dealing with sometimes radically changed voting systems, especially when the move is from paper-based voting systems to electronic systems.

Bachmann, Karen L. Usability Interface (2003). Articles>Usability>User Interface>Civic

Epiphany in the Trenches

Recognize the many paths to success and be prepared to forge your own if needed. You may find at the end of your 'wrong way' happy clients, satisfied users, and a successful and delivered system.

Bachmann, Karen L. Usability Interface (2006). Careers>Consulting>Usability

Let's Get It Started!

STC communities have moved from trying to figure out how they will work in the new model to starting to make the kinds of fundamental changes and undertake initiatives that will build value for members. We are starting to understand how to 'play' within and succeed with our new rules. For UUX to undertake new initiatives, we need more members to volunteer.

Bachmann, Karen L. Usability Interface (2006). Articles>Usability>User Experience>Volunteering

Looking Forward to A New Year in Usability

A common theme in most stories is that introducing usability into a company, or even just into your own technical communication work, is often a long-term effort. In my own experience, my first effort to introduce usability at my then employer took almost two years to move from a few isolated activities and providing occasional design advice to interface developers into a fully recognized user interface design role.

Bachmann, Karen L. Usability Interface (2004). Articles>Usability>Planning

The Power of Storytelling

How Community Manager Karen Bachmann has learned about the power and importance of storytelling, and some of the many stories that have deeply affected her.

Bachmann, Karen L. Usability Interface (2007). Articles>Usability>Methods

Prototyping and Usability Testing with Visio  

An overview of prototyping: uses, functions and types of prototypes.

Bachmann, Karen L. and Whitney Quesenbery. WQusability (2001). Articles>Usability>Methods

The Pulse of the Usability Community: Transformation and UUX

When you renew your STC membership, be sure to select STC Usability and User Experience (UUX) as one of your communities.

Bachmann, Karen L. Usability Interface (2005). Articles>Usability>Community Building>STC

A Question of Process

When we consider the right questions to ask in usability, we first think of the questions we should ask our users and stakeholders. This line of questioning is a necessary part of our jobs. However, I have seen few articles outside of the ROI of usability discussions where usability professionals ask questions about the usability of our own processes and approaches.

Bachmann, Karen L. Usability Interface (2005). Articles>Usability>Planning

The Search for Well-Defined Usability Discipline

The message about usability is reaching general audiences. However, sometimes the message is garbled and sometimes it is overlooked entirely.

Bachmann, Karen L. Usability Interface (2003). Articles>Usability>Professionalism

Understanding Principles of Usability, Part 1

In this podcast, Karen Bachmann, manager of the Usability and User Experience SIG, provides an overview of the user-centered design process. This is part one of a two part series.

Bachmann, Karen L. Tech Writer Voices (2006). Presentations>Usability>User Centered Design>Podcasts

Understanding Principles of Usability, Part 2

This is part two of Karen Bachmann's presentation on Usability. In this part of her presentation, Karen gets more in depth with principles and methods for usability.

Bachmann, Karen L. Tech Writer Voices (2006). Presentations>Usability>Methods>Podcasts

Usability Requirements: Making User Satisfaction a Measure of Product Success  

Defining usability requirements at the beginning of the project increases the chances that the end product will meet the users' goals and create a satisfying user experience. Unfortunately, such requirements are often not considered with the same priority as functional or other technical requirements. This presentation defines usability requirements, proposes guidelines for creating measurable requirements, and elaborates the components of a well-constructed usability requirement.

Bachmann, Karen L. STC Proceedings (2004). Articles>Project Management>Planning>Usability

Usability, User Experience, Or Both?  

Explains how the new name of the former STC Usability SIG better serves the growing number of technical communicators whose work encompasses the overall product--not just usability or documentation.

Bachmann, Karen L. Intercom (2005). Articles>Usability>Community Building>User Experience

Documenting User-Centered Design Best Practices

When initiating or expanding the role of user-centered design (UCD) in an organization, consider documenting UCD best practices as they fit within existing processes and the best practice of other areas. Such documentation communicates the role and value of UCD throughout the organization in terms familiar to your organization. Because what best practices means varies from company to company, there is no single way to do this. Here are some questions to consider.

Bachmann, Karen L. STC Proceedings (2008). Articles>Documentation>User Centered Design>Policies and Procedures