"Did you follow the directions?" they say.
Putting lack of usability on the user is horrible and only makes people upset and frustrated.
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Usability: is a property of systems, products and websites that relates to ease of use. Usability can be defined as having these components:
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That seems sensible that the intuitive nature of most technology today should make documentation obsolete. Of course, this depends on the intricacy of the technology involved. Most simple hardware such as webcams, DVD players, printer/copiers, etc, should be intuitive enough to need no documentation. However, it seems natural that more complicated devices for specialized use would require a bit of instruction.
ReplyDeleteI do agree directions are needed for complex systems, but I feel that too many times they focused on "managing the long tail," than on helping the 80% of us that just want to get our work done. A technology must be seen as a tool. Of course, we all know using the right tool for the job makes a big difference.
ReplyDeleteIn documentation, usability needs to focused on helping the 80% feel like the product will be useful to them. Throughout the years many have tried to do this by creating "-------" for Dummies books, cheetsheets, basic intro areas....but it has never been solidified. Why? I believe many times people see documentation as a necessary evil rather than a means to create a step for beginners, and new users.