Manual Design Questions

[Paul Kent <pkent -at- Paradigm4 -dot- com>]

Background
We are in the process of reworking the Word templates we use to create
Operations and Users Manuals.  We are a mid-size wireless applications
provider and we produce manuals for both internal and external users.
Different user groups get different manuals that use different templates,
but we are attempting to create a single look and feel to span our entire
line.
*	The manuals are currently small to medium size (50 - 350 pages).
*	The manuals are distributed via PDF files.  The manuals are used
onscreen to some extent, but they are also likely to be printed out on site;
hence we find ourselves compromising between on-line usability and printed
out usability.
*	There is a body of documentation already in use; drastic changes to
the existing templates risk eroding any brand recognition that our documents
have established with our customers.
Questions
*	Is there a current consensus on serifs; particularly serifs in
headings, but also in titles, headers/footers, and body text?  Again PDF
onscreen and/or laser printed are the target media.
*	Is there a current consensus on chapter numbers in the page number
(that is, 4-3 vs page 15).
A related question:  is there a consensus on mixing font sizes so that the
actual page number stands out more 
(for example, 4-3 vs. 4-3).
*	Is there a current consensus on chapter tables of contents; are they
a helpful aid to navigation.
*	Is there a consensus on rule rules?  Do they rule:} or ...:<?  We're
currently using them to frame our content area and in a different way to add
a visual element to our cover design.



J. Paul Kent
Technical Writer
Paradigm 4 Inc.
425-398-2228
mailto:pkent -at- paradigm4 -dot- com <mailto:pkent -at- paradigm4 -dot- com> 


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Develop HTML-Based Help with Macromedia Dreamweaver 4 ($100 STC Discount)
**WEST COAST LOCATIONS** San Jose (Mar 1-2), San Francisco (Apr 16-17)
http://www.weisner.com/training/dreamweaver_help.htm or 800-646-9989.

Sponsored by ForeFront, Inc., maker of ForeHelp Help authoring tools
for print, WinHelp, HTML Help, JavaHelp, and cross-platform InterHelp
See www.forehelp.com for more information and free evaluation downloads

---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as: archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot-  Visit 
http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.