IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication Mar 1981

The user edit: Making manuals easier to use

Marshall A. Atlas

Abstract

Possibly the simplest way to make a technical manual easier to use is a “user edit” — that is, having an inexperienced user try to work with a machine, using only its manual as a guide. His errors and hesitations should tell you where the weak points are. This report describes how to set up such tests, what to be careful of, and some of the benefits you can expect.

Journal
IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
Published
1981-03-01
DOI
10.1109/tpc.1981.6447819
CompPile
Search in CompPile ↗
Open Access
Closed
Export
BibTeX RIS

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (6)

  1. Schriver (2017)
    Plain Language in the US Gains Momentum: 1940–2015
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  2. Redish (2010)
    Technical Communication and Usability: Intertwined Strands and Mutual Influences
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  3. Ramey (1989)
    A selected bibliography: a beginner's guide to usability testing
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  4. Dieli (1989)
    The usability process: working with iterative design principles
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  5. Schriver (1989)
    Evaluating text quality: the continuum from text-focused to reader-focused methods
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
Show all 6 →
  1. Sullivan (1989)
    Beyond a narrow conception of usability testing
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication

Cites in this index (0)

No references match articles in this index.

CrossRef global citation count: 21 View in citation network → Build reading path →