RE: designing software tutorials

["technical writing plus" <doc-x -at- earthlink -dot- net>]

There are quite a few worthy web resources, and books too, but I cannot tell
you what any of them might be, simply because I do not know. 

However, I can say that you should start out by making a list that sets out
clearly the stuff that you *think at this time* the users should know. 

Then use the list to start conversations with the people who know and use
the new software (or who will be developing it). 

Then investigate those web resources. Then start on designing tutorials,
after you know what your needs are.

Jim Jones  http://tinyurl.com/4arjc


-----Original Message-----
...list, though I read your discussion with interest and often respond to
individuals when I think I might have a contribution. Now I am faced with an
opportunity and would like your opinions on how to best respond to it. 

I work for a small startup that makes Java developer tools. We've recently
re-designed the product and now my management wants new product tutorials
developed to match.

I know that the new tutorials must be modular, written to answer the needs
of the specific target audiences, and easy to understand. Beyond that, the
field is so completely wide open that it feels like my mind might explode.

And so my question to you: How would you go about planning this redesign?
What books, web sites, blogs, whathaveyou are essential to informing your
efforts when attempting to train your uses to be successful with your
products...

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