RE: An observation -- what you're used to

["Matt Horn" <mhorn -at- macromedia -dot- com>]

David wrote:
> I wanted to share an anecdote that I think is relevant to the 
> subject of what makes for clear technical communication.  I 
> just got a new PC at work, with a newer version of Windows 
> than I'd been suing.  At first, I couldn't find the "Minimize 
> all windows" command, but then I discovered it had been 
> reworded as "Show the desktop."  Well, the intention was good 
> -- to replace jargon with normal conversational English -- 
> but it didn't help ME because I was USED to the older 
> command.  So if people are used to a command, message, etc., 
> being worded a certain way, changing it for the better may 
> not always be for the better.

This observation nicely sums up the problem with backwards-compatibility
and migration. New users will never know that the system is easier and
better than before. Former/current users will be irritated at the
change, but will eventually learn to adopt it.

I've written enough migration guides and release notes to know the issue
all too well. But I think in most cases, improving an interface IS for
the better, even if there's a little initial transition pain. 

Matthew Horn
Sr Technical Writer
Macromedia

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

WEBWORKS FINALDRAFT - EDIT AND REVIEW, REDEFINED
Accelerate the document lifecycle with full online discussions and unique feedback-management capabilities. Unlimited, efficient reviews for Word
and FrameMaker authors. Live, online demo:
http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l

---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as:
archiver -at- techwr-l -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Send administrative questions to lisa -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-  Visit
http://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.