Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 1988

Microcomputer Users' Preferences for Software Documentation: An Analysis

John M. Penrose San Diego State University ; Lawrence M. Seiford University of Massachusetts Amherst

Abstract

Fundamental requirements for good user documentation have not changed over the years. Manuals must be complete, accurate, clear, readable, and available on time. What has changed are tolerances and standards. Today's users—typically business professionals but even expert technicians and engineers—will no longer accept unreadable and inaccessible publications. The days of documentation with poor organization, limited graphic support, and poor aesthetics have passed. This article analyzes users' opinions and preferences for microcomputer software documentation. The results provide valuable guidance for software authors, designers, and publishers.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1988-10-01
DOI
10.2190/xnqg-n8ld-p1f2-2r0f
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