Comparative User-Focused Evaluation of User Guides: A Case Study

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jul 2007

Comparative User-Focused Evaluation of User Guides: A Case Study

Franck Ganier

Abstract

A comparative evaluation of two user guides—the document traditionally used by a company and a model document designed on the basis of research results and recommendations—was carried out using a number of complementary approaches focusing on the user. The quality and suitability of these documents for the target audience were assessed in terms of content, structure, presence of certain organizational devices (such as headings) and pictures included. The results revealed that the model document was more attractive, more efficient, and better adapted to users' needs, thanks to its modular organization (being structured according to “functions”), a large number of pictures, the presence of headings, and rationalization of the vocabulary used.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 2007-07-01
DOI: 10.2190/tw.37.3.e
Topics: qualitative research multimodality

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

Ganier (2009)

Observational Data on Practical Experience and Conditions of Use of Written Ins…

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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