Re: Menus and Toolbars

[Janice Gelb <Janice -dot- Gelb -at- Sun -dot- COM>]

Ben wrote:
>
> In addition to task-oriented info, any opinions or 
 > insight about documenting reference info about toolbars
 > or menus, e.g. listing menu names or buttons followed
 > by brief descriptions? Do you think it's useful for
 > readers who want quick info about a menu or button on a
 > toolbar? IMO, I'd like to avoid the menu and toolbar
 > reference info, because it seems unncessary, but I can't
 > help to think someone may find it useful, especially if
 > the tool tips aren't as informative.
> 

I don't believe this is necessary for menus. Readers
really only need to know about menu options and their
location when they're using them to do a task, so
describing them in the context of that task seems
sufficient.

However, regarding a toolbar reference, I think an
illustration can be helpful if your toolbar is extensive.
Icons that seem to be crystal clear to the designer can
often be cryptic to other people.

-- Janice

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