RE: The coming predominance of user experience and technicalcommunications

[Writers Book Mall <steve -at- writersbookmall -dot- com>]

Computers today, I like to say, are like Model Ts in
terms of usability. Drivers then had to get out and
crank to start, and were on their own for frequent
breakdowns. Computer users today are, for the most
part, just trying to get from the metaphorical point A
to point B, but there are too many things they have to
actively manage in order to succeed, and most are
unable to navigate the mess.

But there are still people documenting cars and all
the parts and systems that go into them.

So I think that yes, as usability of computers
progresses, tech writers won't have to document some
of the basics, but it seems to me that there will
still be plenty of work for more advanced or technical
writing.

--- Lauren <lt34 -at- csus -dot- edu> wrote:

> And now for the technical writing conundrum.  If
> applications, like checkout
> registers, are being designed to be so
> "user-friendly" that they don't need
> documentation and that the interface will walk users
> through without effort,
> then is it possible that software applications that
> are typically supported
> with documentation will, in many cases, make
> documentation obsolete?  Will
> technical writers become obsolete for certain types
> of "user-friendly"
> documentation?  What will happen to the market if
> this becomes the case?

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