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Subject:Re: Asking the right questions From:Richard Lewis <tech44writer -at- yahoo -dot- com> To:Stuart Burnfield <slb -at- westnet -dot- com -dot- au>, techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com Date:Mon, 30 Jul 2007 09:28:24 -0700 (PDT)
You are right about questions being precieved as not having done enough homework. Conversly, too many important questions remain unasked.
A TW needs to develop an image of being one who asks essential questions, and minimizes unnecessary questions. I find that the best way to develop this reputation is to create models of a system and walk them through with the SME's.
By walking through functional models with SME's, I clearly demonstrate that I am thinking systematically and that my questions are well thought out.
Richard Lewis
Stuart Burnfield <slb -at- westnet -dot- com -dot- au> wrote:
This is a follow-up to the "coming predominance of user experience" thread.
I can see what both John and Richard is getting at, but I think it's not
so much how many questions you ask, it's whether they're the right
questions. You get some leeway on asking questions that seem pertinent;
very little leeway on questions that seem lazy or irrelevant.
Imagine you have a sort of budget to spend on questions. If you ask a
question and the developer or SME thinks:
- Yes, I can see how that would be confusing
- I knew we should have put something about that in the spec
- You know, I didn't think of that situation
... then that sort of question costs you $5. If the interviewee thinks:
- I've already explained that to this guy twice
- It's right there in the spec
- Has he not even tried actually installing the software?
... that sort of question costs $100.
Get a reputation as someone who does the work beforehand to make sure
that, if you ask a question, it's a good one.
Stuart
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
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