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:Re: Prototyping a User's Manual From:"Weissman, Jessica" <WeissmanJ -at- ABACUSTECH -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 21 Oct 1998 14:05:01 -0400
I think you might do better using a prototyping tool or even something like
Asymmetrix Toolbook to mock up your screens. Along with that you should do
a requirements document of some kind. Much of the document can be
transferred to the manual if the doc is done at the right level of detail
and formality.
If you prototype in Toolbook you can display very close mockups of the
screens, and have the buttons and fields active in a manner fairly similar
to the live application. This will give you an even better "feel" for the
app and its interface than having a manual.
