IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication Jan 1989

Usability in computer documentation design: conceptual and methodological considerations

R.A. Guillemette

Abstract

The multidimensional nature of usability (including tradeoffs between dimensions) is described, stressing the linkage of the concept to the effective use of documentation by a particular group of readers in performing a certain set of software-related tasks under realistic environmental constraints. Major issues in the evaluation and design of usability are examined. It is argued that the sampling of realistic tasks and target readers is often very difficult, particularly in a laboratory setting, and that additional emphasis must be placed on using multiple observation periods, standardized measures and materials, and multimethod assessments of usability.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>

Journal
IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
Published
1989-01-01
DOI
10.1109/47.44534
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
Topics
assessment technical communication digital rhetoric
Export
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (9)

  1. Shivener et al. (2025)
    Capturing the Experiences of Simulated Writing for Novice Virtual Reality Users
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  2. Meng et al. (2018)
    Application Programming Interface Documentation: What Do Software Developers Want?
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Acharya (2017)
    User value and usability in technical communication: a value-proposition design model
    Communication Design Quarterly
  4. Alexander (2013)
    The Usability of Print and Online Video Instructions
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  5. Maylath et al. (2013)
    Managing Complexity: A Technical Communication Translation Case Study in Multil…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
Show all 9 →
  1. Maher (2011)
    The Technical Communicator as Evangelist: Toward Critical and Rhetorical Litera…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. McGovern (2007)
    Training Teachers and Serving Students: Applying Usability Testing in Writing P…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Cooke et al. (2005)
    Connecting Usability Education and Research With Industry Needs and Practices
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  4. Breuch et al. (2001)
    Usability Instruction in Technical Communication Programs: New Directions in Cu…
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication

References (0)

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