Re: CD structure

[Scott McClare <smcclare -at- DY4 -dot- COM>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Damien Braniff [SMTP:Damien_Braniff -at- PAC -dot- CO -dot- UK]
> Sent: Friday, March 05, 1999 10:24 AM
> To:   TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
> Subject:      CD structure
>
> I'd like some opinions on the structure of a CD I'm currently working on.
> Basically it's a software installation CD but with added bits (assorted
> documentation).  I've two basic initial ideas:
>
>    Welcome screen with options - Install;  Additional Product Info;
> Contact Us;
>    Exit.  Install jumps to an install screen with options to install
> software,
>    install Acrobat and view lit (associated with s/w) and exit.
> Additional
>    Product Info jumps to screen with install Acrobat (and other viewers)
> and
>    then selection of specs, demos etc.
>
<snip>

I like this idea better than the other, as it's more in line with other CD
interfaces I've seen and worked on, and it also doesn't have that
threatening before-you-go-any-farther-you-need-to-install-more-stuff tone of
the second option.

One change I might suggest is giving the documentation options more
prominence.  Rather than putting the documentation in a third-level menu,
put it at the second level with a link off the main screen:

* Install software
* Read documentation
* Additional product info

and so on.  You can include an option on the second-level menu to install
Acrobat if necessary - or, since "additional info" might also require it,
link both those menus to a common "install readers" menu that isn't visible
from the top.

That deviation from your original plan isn't one that will make or break the
project; I just like to see documentation displayed a little more
prominently (it gives the user less excuse to plead ignorance).

Take care,

Scott


--
Scott McClare - Technical Writer
DY 4 Systems Inc., Kanata, Ontario, Canada
(613) 599-9199 x502 smcclare -at- dy4 -dot- com
Opinions are my own

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