How We Developed an Intranet: Using the Web to Inform Employees, Manage Projects, and Save Money  

Data General’s R&D organization had developed disparate web sites. It was hard to find relevant information and difficult to know what others were doing. We volunteered to create a unified web presence to solve these problems. Taking initiative while building consensus, we crafted a highly used and highly useful intranet. This paper describes how we did it. Our success allowed us to broaden our department’s scope and change its name from “Documentation” to “Documentation and Web Services.” Our experience shows that documentation departments are well suited to create and maintain intranets, and that documentation professionals have the skills to become content developers or information architects.

Harvey, Michael. STC Proceedings (2001). Presentations>Web Design>Intranets>Case Studies

HTML Conversion Tools: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly  

The documentation conversion tool market is relatively new, but several vendors have established reputations in the market.

Laurent, J. Suzanna and Candie D. McKee. STC Orange County (1998). Presentations>Web Design>Software>HTML

Improving Information Quality in Your Web Space: A Take Charge Approach  

With the arrival of the World Wide Web, traditional methods of controlling the quality ofpublished information have been overcome by a technology that allows almost anyone to create and publish information. With this new found freedom in publishing, the quality of information available to the public has decreased when measured by traditional publishing standards. Technical communicators must meet new challenges in monitoring and ensuring that information produced in their organizations and companies is of the highest quality. This paper discusses how the problem evolved and how taking ownership of information on the Web may solve it.

Colvin, Richard D. STC Proceedings (1997). Presentations>Web Design>Workplace

Information Design for Web Sites Which Support Complex Decision Making  

Most web site designs tend to focus on optimizing for simple information retrieval, “Find the value of X.” Yet, in decision making, the user’s information needs are much greater. As a minimum, they must understand and compare the value of X with respect to Y. Of course, in a realistic situation, several values must be considered. The information design problems involved in effectively addressing complex decision making has not been adequately researched. This research examines web sites to determine which design factors support complex decision making. It also develops guidelines for designing web sites which support complex decision making.

Albers, Michael J. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Information Design>Web Design

Intercultural Research in Page Design and Layout for Asian/Pacific Audiences  

We, Fuji Xerox, implemented an intercultural survey in page design and layout of customer documents for business machines such as copy machines and printers. The research covered the main regions in Asia/Pacific: Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. We studied their preferences in printed colors, typography, page layout, and pictographs. The results show Asia/Pacific audiences share a lot of preferences in page design and layout, though there are some uniqueness in printed colors and pictographs. It also became clear American English is not a serious problem for people who are Queen’s English natives.

Ichimura, Mitsuyuki. STC Proceedings (2001). Presentations>Web Design>Typography>Asia

Keeping Users Stuck to Your Site

Discusses the effect of drop-off and how usability initiatives reduced drop-off at Staples.com by 73%. This discussion begins with a definition of drop-off and moves into an explanation of the value of drop-off data. Then we delve into the correlation between drop-off and return on investment. Finally, we highlight two examples of Staples.com initiatives that were focused on reducing drop-off by using a systematic process of customer research and redesign.

Hynes, Colin. Human Factors International (2006). Presentations>Web Design>Usability

Lies, Damned Lies, and Web Statistics  

Interpreting web statistics has been described as “trying to nail Jell-o to the wall.” Web log files trackfile accesses on the server. They do not track users; they do not track interest levels, they do not track success or failure communicating information. Caches “hide” site accesses from the server log and “hits” provide a poor mea sure of interest in particular content. Some people argue that there is really no meaning to server logs other than a measure of server load. However, even with all their flaws, some find web statistics useful in identifying how best to allocate resources in web site development.

Mazur, Beth. STC Proceedings (1997). Presentations>Web Design>Statistics>Log Analysis

Particle Physics, Frank Lloyd Wright and Feng Shui: A Walking Tour Through Spatial Web Design  

Although the concept of the internet as a virtual space is not new, after nearly ten years of development, our understanding of web space still remains more textually based than spatial. Because the World Wide Web provides a new kind of information space, we need to understand it in both informational and spatial terms. As such, we can benefit from exploring the shape of cyberspace from an architectural perspective, just as we would other spaces and shapes in our experience. In this discussion I offer a model that views web site design from three architectural perspectives: motion, structure and flow.

Heba, Gary M. STC Proceedings (2001). Presentations>Web Design>Information Design

Preparing Text for Online Display  

It would be difficult to find a credible source that argues against the position that (all other things being equal) the best online documentation results when you develop text explicitly for the online medium. And not just the online medium but more precisely for a particular display program and hardware environment. However, for one of any number of reasons, the development of text for online display may have to be the product of an automated process on text that was either developed originally for some paper-based document publication program or from text that contains generic markup (such as SGML). Regardless of how the text itself is generated, there remain several aspects to designing an online display that must be considered by all information developers.

Schwartz, David M. STC Proceedings (1993). Presentations>Web Design

Presentation on Writing and Web 2.0

This is presentation Keith Hoffman gave on writing and Web 2.0 at the University of Wisconsin. If you recall, Keith wrote the feature article in January's Intercom on Web 2.0.

Hoffman, Keith. Tech Writer Voices (2007). Presentations>Web Design>Writing>Podcasts

Putting Large Documents Online  

Large documents are among the most suitable documents for online viewing. This paper will look at the process of converting large printed documents to online documents. It will discuss the role of hypertext, SGML, and other technologies in their creation, This paper will then look at the process of designing large online documents from the traditional analyses of audience, task, and information to implementation concerns such as determining the design requirements, evaluating electronic publishing software and prototyping the design.

Rockley, Ann. STC Proceedings (1993). Presentations>Web Design

RBC Royal Bank’s Online Banking Initiatives: Usable Design Now and in the Future

Discuss their initiative to make user-centered design a central part of RBC Royal Bank's Online Banking.

Schaffer, Eric M., Carolyn Burke and Nicole Poirer. Human Factors International (2006). Presentations>Usability>Web Design>E Commerce

Redesigning an STC Chapter Web Site: Creating a Navigation Structure  

The Chicago Chapter of STC undertook to redesign its web site in 1999. The existing web site structure did not allow growth. It was difficult to add new categories of information without creating long, scrolling pages containing embedded hyperlinks. Users expressed frustration when they were unable to find specific information within the site. A solution was required that would make information more accessible to casual users and enable the site to grow without major reconfiguration. A committee was formed to study the problem and come up with a flexible navigation structure that could grow along with the web site.

Gannon, Joseph P. and Suzanne D. Williams. STC Proceedings (2001). Presentations>Web Design>Information Design

Retrofitting Paper-Based Documentation for Hypermedia Delivery  

The trend to online delivery of information means new challenges for developers. New skills must be learned. Large-scale conversion projects must be completed while new materials are developed. Though conversion can be a monumental task, research and planning are the keys to a smooth transition. Five steps are critical to the conversion process: (1) Analyze the needs for developers ard end-users. (2) Develop a design document to outline how the hypermedia system should work. (3) Develop a transition plan. (4) Implement the Plan. (5) Update and maintain the system.

Hatley, Stacey D. and Travis Williams. STC Proceedings (1997). Presentations>Web Design>Information Design

Setting Usability Requirements For A Web Site Containing A Form  

We describe the challenges of understanding and setting usability requirements for a web site containing a form. We define 'usability requirements.' Ideally, usability requirements should be defined early in a project. In practice, we often find that the first opportunity we have is when we are asked to undertake an evaluation. Collecting the users' opinions of the requirements as part of the evaluation can often prompt the organization into investigating the users, leading to a better set of requirements and, eventually, a better web site.

Miller, Sarah and Caroline Jarrett. STC Proceedings (2001). Presentations>Accessibility>Web Design>Usability

Small Screens, Big Lessons: Learning from Well Designed Small Screen Interfaces

By utilizing techniques and design principles that support flow, small screen interfaces can further increase user satisfaction and minimize the sense of time on task. Lesson methods include 'Using progressive disclosure' and 'Balancing Visual and Structural Simplicity.'

Hibbitts, Paul D. SlideShare (2006). Presentations>Web Design>Wireless Web

A Technical Writer's Introduction to XML  

XML is one of the hot topics in Web technology. More and more XML sites are being developed every day. You've probably seen XML without realizing it. It's also showing up in specific tools for technical writers: Sun's JavaHelp uses XML components. But when you try to learn about this exciting new technology, when you review the many books that are appearing on shelves, or sites popping up on the Web, you'll find that the information that is available is mostly aimed at developers. This session cuts through the technical detail to the core of XML, to the value that it brings to technical writers and their users. Unlike HTML, which is based on a specific set of tags, XML allows you to define your own tags. This means you have the ability to tag information based on content rather than format structure.

Rockley, Ann and Steve Manning. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Web Design>XML

Translating Hardcopy Documents to HTML Online Documents  

The ever-increasing popularity of the World Wide Web has created another assignment for the professional writer-the need to turn hardcopy documents into HTML coded documents. This paper discusses some of the translation tools available, the problems to watch when converting documents, and the benefits of using special translation tools for converting your original hardcopy documents into HTML documents for online viewing.

Hoess, Laurence. STC Proceedings (1997). Presentations>Web Design>HTML

Understanding Users: Making the Transition from a Paper to an Electronic Reference System  

Online technical documentation can be used as an effective job aid if designed properly. However, in many instances designers put the paper documentation online without concern for usability. To design an effective online technical reference system, technical communicators should understand how users interact with the legacy system and how they will interact with the system once it is converted to an online form.

Steward, Sherry. STC Proceedings (2001). Presentations>Web Design>Usability

Usable Agents  

Usable electronic agents are not necessarily ones that have a personality. Instead, they are ones who work in the background doing tasks users want done. Designing such agents means translating abstract user goals into simple, concrete actions that require limited electronic intelligence to carry out.

Krull, Robert. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Web Design

User-Centered Design of Lotus Notes Databases  

Lotus Notes databases can be used in a wide variety of applications. The Information Design group in DuPont has developed Notes databases for groups of a dozen to many thousand users. We find that a multidisciplinary approach to database design works well - combining the talents of information analysts, application developers, interface and graphic designers, usability specialists, and project leaders. Working with subject-matter experts and end-users, we develop databases that deliver business value, in terms of more accessible knowledge and streamlined work processes. I will present a behind-the-scenes look at how we work as a team to deliver useful, usable knowledge bases in a user-centered design process that involves the users in novel ways.

Knodel, Elinor L. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Web Design>Usability

Using JavaScript to Develop Interactive Self-Assessments  

Interactive self-assessments are effective tools for a variety of audiences; from determining one’s Myers- Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or personality characteristics to self-scoring quizzes of all types for online training. Many Web sites contain such selfassessments that help customers select from among other offerings the type of product or service that meets their requirements. The strategic design and development of interactive self-assessments can also help steer customers to your specific product line or service, or even help them make the decision to buy or award a contract. This paper looks at the effectiveness of self-assessments as a business tool and the use of JavaScript for supporting the interactive elements.

Le Vie, Donald S., Jr. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Web Design>Interaction Design>JavaScript

Using the World Wide Web in Your Company’s Own Little World  

When a company uses the World Wide Web for internal communication, the web is called an intranetwork, or intranet. Companies are turning to this solution because of a number of advantages. However, as with any change that involves technology and corporate culture, the advantages of an intranet come with several challenges including introducing the intranet successfully, managing it without chaos, getting the employees to use it and use it properly, as well as maintaining the web of corporate information accurately.

Mobley, Karen L. and Julia C. Stovall. STC Proceedings (1997). Presentations>Web Design>Intranets

Web 2.0 101: Understanding Web 2.0 and its Impact on Technical Communication

The Semantic Web is coming and it's bringing major changes to the ways that people create, manage, deliver, consume, and share technical information. This session introduces Web 2.0 and its tools and technologies, and examines how they are changing the landscape of technical communication. Discover how Web 2.0 methods make it possible to deliver "content as a service" and to empower customers to personalize technical content in useful and exciting new ways.

Abel, Scott. SlideShare (2007). Presentations>TC>Web Design>Semantic

Web Application Technologies - Surveying The Landscape

ASPs, Java Servlets/JSP, Perl, ColdFusion, PHP. The landscape is filled with languages and technologies to make dynamic web applications. This talk contains a survey of the pros and cons of each technology as well as where to get good examples of key applications most every website needs on each platform.

Birznieks, Gunther. Extropia (2001). Presentations>Web Design>Server Side Includes>Personalization