RE: Use of Optional in instructions

Subject: RE: Use of Optional in instructions
From: "McLauchlan, Kevin" <Kevin -dot- McLauchlan -at- safenet-inc -dot- com>
To: Robert Lauriston <robert -at- lauriston -dot- com>, "techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:31:02 -0400


Robert Lauriston
>
> Bruce Combs original example was:
>
> "1. Select the Tx Inhibit check box, to block the operator from
> transmitting audio (optional)."
>
> To me, that "1." implies a linear series of steps. There's no branch,
> you check the box or not, then go on to step 2.

My problem with that instruction is that there's nothing telling me why I might want to do that, and what the implications are. Nine steps later, how much (how very, very, very much) am I going to regret having checked that box (or not checked that box), because I didn't understand one little implication that turns out to be crucial for how I need to use your system?

My solution, in my help, is to have a lot of expanding-text or drop-down-text boxes. If you think you know what you are doing, you can breeze through with just the minimal step-by-step instructions in view, all very visually uncluttered (except for some oddly colored words, here and there). But if you are the least bit unsure or even suspicious, you can click some of those teal-colored words and phrases and see what comes to light.


- Kevin




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References:
Use of Optional in instructions: From: Bruce Megan (ST-CO/ENG2.2)
RE: Use of Optional in instructions: From: Combs, Richard
RE: Use of Optional in instructions: From: Boudreaux, Madelyn (GE Healthcare, consultant)
Re: Use of Optional in instructions: From: Lauren
RE: Use of Optional in instructions: From: McLauchlan, Kevin
Re: Use of Optional in instructions: From: Robert Lauriston
RE: Use of Optional in instructions: From: Combs, Richard
Re: Use of Optional in instructions: From: Robert Lauriston

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