Re: When to use screenshots
I don't necessarily agree. When something is new, many people appreciate a guide to what they are supposed to notice. When everything is new, they may not know what requires attention and what doesn't.
Also, both providing the screen shot and describing its elements accomodates both the verbal and picture-oriented.
I agree with Bruce on both points. I document a complex software development tool--not complex because of a poor interface, but complex because of the wide variety of things you can do with it. My audience is Java programmers--the developers use their own product as part of their regular work. Many of them have requested even more screen shots, to establish context. I respond to what my audience requests, not what other writers believe is the best way to present information.
It's fascinating to me that the "screenshots or not" question has shown up on three different lists in the last week or two. Most people lean towards fewer and fewer screenshots. I think that text that's mostly words can be harder to parse than text with visual cues interspersed with the words. I only use screenshots when the context clearly benefits by their inclusion. Some readers learn more from pictures, and others learn better from words. I see no reason not to accommodate both learning styles.
martha
--
Martha Jane {Kolman | Davidson}
Dances With Words
editrix -at- nemasys -dot- com
"Too many words bring about exhaustion."
--Tao Te Ching, Chapter 5 (translated by Sheets/Tovey)
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References:
Re: When to use screenshots: From: David Chinell
Re: When to use screenshots: From: Peter Neilson
Re: When to use screenshots: From: Bruce Byfield
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