Writing Helpful Help A Minimalism Checklist
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Writing Speaking -> subcategory Copywriting.
Writing Effective Help: A Minimalism Checklist
Introduction
User documentation often targets programmers rather than the end-users. This approach typically emphasizes features over tasks. Programmers may not be the best suited to write user documentation, as they're deeply involved with the technical aspects and not with the user experience. They prioritize what the product can do over what the user can achieve with it.
The Importance of Task-Oriented Help
The key to impactful user documentation is to focus on tasks. Embracing minimalism?"writing clearly and simply for the reader?"can significantly enhance usability. For a detailed exploration of this topic, consider reading "Minimalism Beyond the Nurnberg Funnel" (1998) by John Carroll. Meanwhile, here's a practical checklist to guide you in creating effective online help that benefits both users and managers.
Minimalism Checklist for Helpful Documentation
1. Task-Based Focus: Develop help content that aligns with actual tasks or realistic examples.
2. Structured by Task Sequence: Use chapter headings as goals, and ensure topics represent specific tasks.
3. Respect User Activity: Avoid unnecessary details that distract users from their goals.
4. Leverage Prior Knowledge: Reference users’ previous tasks and experiences.
5. Error Prevention: Clearly instruct users on prerequisites, e.g., "Ensure you do X before Y."
6. Error Detection: Guide users to identify errors, e.g., "If this fails, you might have entered the path incorrectly."
7. Error Correction: Offer clear solutions, e.g., "Re-enter the path."
8. Concise Error Information: Limit detailed error notes to one per three tasks.
9. Streamlined Instructions: Place notes, cautions, and warnings at the end of instructions, not in the middle.
10. Brevity: Avoid unnecessary explanations for obvious concepts.
11. Link Conceptual Information: Provide extra information at the topic's end, linking to in-depth content if necessary.
12. Concise Sections: Aim for sections that look and read as succinctly as possible.
13. Closure for Sections: Ensure each section concludes and returns users to the original screen or goal.
14. Encourage Action: Use active invitations, like "Try this," rather than passive suggestions.
15. Quick Starts: Enable users to begin tasks rapidly.
16. Modular Content: Make sections independent; allow for tasks to be read and completed in any order.
17. Highlight Exceptions: Draw attention to atypical elements.
18. Active Voice: Use active rather than passive voice for clarity.
19. Consider User Environment: Tailor content to the actual user context.
20. Reader Focus: Always ask, "Will this help my reader?" before documenting.
Conclusion
By incorporating these practices, your documentation will become more concise, useful, and appreciated by both users and managers. Aim for simplicity and clarity, and your efforts will be well-rewarded.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Writing Helpful Help A Minimalism Checklist.
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