RE: Indexes and PDF Files

["Al Geist" <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>]

Prasanna Prabhu wrote:

"I have a strong suspicion that the sampling methodology used for your user
surveys did not accomodate all kinds of users. Surveys can throw up highly
skewed results depending on the sampling methodology, sample size, and
questions posed in the survey questionnaire. 

Also, the inclusion or exclusion of an index in the manual will depend on
the content in the manual. If the various key words of the product/service
appear in the topic headings, you would not need an index. Such manuals have
very little text content in the pages; they have more illustrations and
lists - something like an instructions manual...Your manuals may be of this
type. Hence the results of your user survey show that indexes are not
required."


I never use the Index when using an online manual. I always use the
Bookmarks, if the manual has one, or use a search tool. I find them faster
than paging through an index to find what I am looking for.  Indexes are
fine in printed publications, but not necessary in online versions.

Just my opinion....

Al Geist
Technical Writing, Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design and Award Winning
Videos
Voice/Msg: 802-658-3140
Cell: 802-578-3964
E-mail: mailto:al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com
URL: http://www.geistassociates.com (Online portfolio and resume)
See also:
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office and beautiful note cards for all occasions.)


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