RE: Never lead with a graphic

["Keith Hansen" <KRH -at- weiland-wfg -dot- com>]

I agree with John here. 

Let's say I have a heading that says "Adding Accounts Using the Wizard."
Next, without any explanation, I just show the wizard. As a reader, I
might wonder:
* What is a wizard?
* Where is the wizard located?
* When should I use the wizard?
* Why should I use the wizard?
* How do I use the wizard?
It would be like showing film footage on a newscast accompanied with
total silence (no newscaster providing background or context). 

As for the bus map analogy:
* What if I don't know it's a bus map?
* What if I wasn't even aware that a bus line exists in my town?

I'd provide:
* Introductory information (context and background)
* Map (big picture)
* Complete schedule (Details)

Keith

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+krh=weiland-wfg -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+krh=weiland-wfg -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On
Behalf Of Rebecca Hopkins
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 3:34 PM
To: Tech Whirlers
Subject: Re: Never lead with a graphic

John,

The graphic represents the functionality at a very basic level - the big
picture. <snip>

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "John Posada" <jposada99 -at- gmail -dot- com>
> Rebecca...the graphic ISN'T the most important thing and it's not the
first
> thing you want the user to see. 

<snip>
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