RE: Failed technical communication - electronic lockers

["Carnall, Jane" <Jane -dot- Carnall -at- compaq -dot- com>]

David Downing had a bad encounter with a left luggage locker:
>There were many lockers and only two keypads.  The instructions said
nothing
>about which keypads went with which lockers.  I'm guessing that if you
>entered the correct access code on any keypad, it would open the right
>locker, but I was afraid to assume that<snip>.

I've used these lockers too, but luckily the first time I had to use one
there was a security attendant on hand (scanning luggage for explosives,
etc) who tiredly said that yes, any keypad would open any locker. I got the
impression he'd been asked that a lot.

An example of well-designed technical communication: a notice on Edinburgh
buses that has never failed to impress me.

Passengers must not:
- speak to the driver or in      }
  any way distract his attention } while the vehicle is in motion
- stand forward of this notice   }
- leave luggage in the gangway

It's the layout that makes it excellent, as opposed to just clear and
simple.

Jane Carnall
Technical Writer, Compaq, UK
Unless stated otherwise, these opinions are mine, and mine alone.



^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Develop HTML-based Help with Macromedia Dreamweaver! (STC Discount.)
**NEW DATE/LOCATION!** January 16-17, 2001, New York, NY.
http://www.weisner.com/training/dreamweaver_help.htm or 800-646-9989.

Take XML and Tech Writing courses online!  Our instructor-led courses
(4-6 hrs/wk) give you "hands on" experience at your convenience. STC members
get 20% off!  http://www.online-learning.com/index.html.
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as: archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot-  Visit 
http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.