Re: helpful hints in a help system

[Jennifer Chiki <Jennifer -dot- Chiki -at- MARCAM -dot- COM>]

  Kelly  wrote:

     >I am revising a procedures-only help system (Robo for 95). A sales
     dude with tons of user contact and      information is working with me
     to develop helpful hints.

     >I am unsure at a design level how to handle the hints. A pop up? A
     Hints button that jumps to a secondary window?

  Kelly,

  We have just incorporated "tips" (I imagine similar to your hints) into
  our new help design (WinHelp 4.0). Our approach is...

  - If the tip is short, we put it directly in the topic. We use a light
  bulb graphic to set it apart. We also headline the tip with bold text for
  better scannability.
  - If the tip is long, or there are multiple tips, we put a push-button
  jump in the topic. This push-button jumps to a pop-up window containing
  the tip(s).
    We use the light bulb graphic and headline in the pop-up window as
   well. Using a pop-up window allows the main topic to remain uncluttered,
   but still    provides easy-access to the tips.

  Have fun!

  Jennifer.

  _____________________________________
  Jennifer Chiki
  Intermediate Technical Writer - Protean Development
  Marcam Canada Corporation
  jennifer -dot- chiki -at- marcam -dot- com





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  To:   Multiple recipients of list TECHWR-L <TECHWR-L @
        LISTSERV.OKSTATE.EDU> at SMTPGATE -at- ccmail
  cc:    (bcc: Jennifer Chiki/MARCAM)
  Subject:  helpful hints in a help system



  New Text Item:  Text Item

     I am revising a procedures-only help system (Robo for 95). A sales
     dude with tons of user contact and information is working with me to
     develop helpful hints.

     I am unsure at a design level how to handle the hints. A pop up? A
     Hints button that jumps to a secondary window?

     I do not want the hints to follow the procedures. Too much potential
     for scrolling.

     Creative, user friendly suggestions would be much appreciated.

     Reply to me directly, please: kelly -dot- kremin -at- cyberoptics -dot- com

     Thank you.

     Kelly M. Kremin
     CyberOptics Corp
     Minneapolis, MN

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