TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Multiple ways of doing th From:Marilynne Smith <m -dot- smith182 -at- GENIE -dot- GEIS -dot- COM> Date:Sat, 19 Aug 1995 17:23:00 UTC
>> 3. List one method as the primary method with a note that there are
>> other ways to do the same task. Give a brief pointer to the other >>
methods.
My preference is to try #3. I would make the primary method the "click on
your selection" method. It wouldn't take much space to explain that you
will explain x method and that a list of keyboard commands is in Appendix A,
if you prefer that method. I would show the method using keyboard commands
in a table. I think people who use keyboard commands do it because they are
quick and to the point (both the people and the commands, that is :-). You
could add this information as a tip in the margin.
IMHO Adding all possible information is a good way to ensure user failure.
Marilynne
m -dot- smith182 -at- genie -dot- gies -dot- com