Figures in User Manuals

[Claire Philpott <claire -dot- philpott -at- alphanova -dot- co -dot- uk>]

Dear All,

Please can you provide some advice about the use of figures in User Manuals.


I am writing a User Manual/Reference Guide. The proposed audience for this
guide is mainly business users covering a variety of job functions ranging
in seniority from Customer Service Representatives to Middle Managers. There
are potentially a few 'technical' personnel who will use the manual.

I have been 'asked' to include figures under every screen capture and to
create an index of these figures. 

In principle I am against adding figures to a User Manual/Reference Guide. I
feel that Users locate relevant information through a list of task based
entries in an index than through a list of screen shoots. 

Am I right in feeling this is more relevant for a technical publication
targeted at a technical audience? Is there a compelling reason why I should
or should not include the figures?

Regards


Claire Philpott 

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