CD-ROM: From Print to Prototype  

There are many significant benefits to releasing documentation on CD ROM rather than on hardcopy including cost savings, storage capacity, and the ability to implement search and retrieval functionality. To determine whether or not you should go to CD ROM, it is advisable to survey your users and to get approval from the folks in "corporate." Once you decide to pursue CD ROM, you need to determine the platform requirements and feature set of the search and retrieval software. You will then be able to choose from a variety of products, and ask the selected vendor to produce a prototype for you.

Florsheim, Stewart J. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Documentation>CD ROM>Online

Designing for Single Source  

“Single source” has come to mean many things to many different people. The basic distinctions are two: (1) distributing the same content in multiple formats and (2) distributing complementary content in the most appropriate medium. The two concepts are not mutually exclusive, i.e., you may have an information strategy that encompasses both ideas. Each methodology has its own advantages, suitability, and requirements. Distributing complementary content in the most appropriate medium requires research and planning, and often results in more effective documentation.

Florsheim, Stewart J. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Information Design>Single Sourcing

Developing an Information Strategy  

The role of the technical communicator has been changing dramatically over the past few years. Gone are the days when hefty user manuals are considered desirable. Technical communicators must now think of ways of building intuitiveness into products to obviate the need for reams and reams of hard copy documentation. This understanding forms the basis for developing an information strategy.

Florsheim, Stewart J. STC Proceedings (1997). Design>Documentation>Information Design>Content Strategy

Documentation on CD-ROM: Strategies for a Successful Implementation  

Producing documentation on CD-ROM can be extremely beneficial to users and can also save your company a lot of money over hard copy costs. To assure a successful roll-out of your CD product, it is critical to consider the involvement of key departments in your company as you plan the implementation in your user community. The two processes are closely related, and a well-integrated internal plan will help assure a successful introduction to your customers.

Florsheim, Stewart J. STC Proceedings (1994). Articles>Documentation>Online

Selecting the Appropriate Learning Products for Your Users  

A learning product can take many forms, including wizard, coach, online Help, Web-based documentation, printed book, computer and paper-based tutorials, etc. The best way to determine the appropriate learning product(s) for your system is to conduct a needs analysis or survey of your users. A needs analysis is typically focused on a specific system or product, while a survey is more comprehensive, and can examine factors such as how your users learn. Each learning product has advantages and disadvantages, and is geared towards users with specific levels of expertise.

Florsheim, Stewart J. STC Proceedings (1999). Presentations>Education>Usability