Do Screen Captures Still Make Sense?

Writing more simply helps keep content more manageable and can increase its usability. So why do we continue to litter content with screen captures, which can be difficult to manage and often duplicate what users already see in application interfaces?

Masalsky, Paul. Content Wrangler, The (2009). Articles>Documentation>Technical Illustration>Screen Captures

Screen Shots in Documentation

Just as I would with words, I'll cut out the obvious and whatever does not add value. I prefer an additive approach (put it in only when the words seem inadequate) over a subtractive approach (take it out if it seems superfluous). In other words, I'll be more open to screen shots in the future, but they have to work themselves into the document, not just be their by entitlement until expelled.

Hughes, Michael A. User Assistance (2009). Articles>Documentation>Technical Illustration>Screen Captures

So What’s Up with Screen Captures?    

In this first column on media matters, Lee discusses screen captures, including quality, manipulation, file type, file size, and more.

Lee, Marc. Intercom (2009). Articles>Documentation>Technical Illustration>Screen Captures