On-line Versus Paper— What’s the Difference?

1. On-line Versus Paper—What’s the Difference? Characteristics of E-reader Characteristics of Online Communication Techniques for Effective Online Help Techniques for Writing Effective Web Sites

2. On-line Versus Paper—What’s the Difference? • On-line help screens and Web sites are different from paper text in terms of • The on-line e-reader • Page layout • Skimming versus linear reading • Hypertext links versus chronological reading

3. Characteristics of the E-reader • E-readers are Topic specific • Search specific Web sites • Look for specific information • Want instructions for performing specific tasks

4. Characteristics of the E-reader • Speed • E-readers want to find information in ten seconds.

5. Characteristics of the E-reader • Use electronic platforms • E-readers can access on-line help screens and Web sites using cell phones, PDAs, and other wireless devices • E-readers will be using Netscape, Internet Explorer, AOL, Macs and PCs.

6. Characteristics of the E-reader • Languages • WWW stands for the “World Wide Web.” • The Internet is global. • E-readers are multilingual and multicultural.

7. Characteristics of On-line Communication • The Screen versus the Page— forget 8 ½ X ll. • On-line help screens are small. • Effective Web screens rarely require scrolling.

8. Characteristics of On-line Communication • Skimming versus Linear Reading • We read books “linearly,” line by line. • We skim and scan on-line help screens and Web sites. • Bulleted lists • Headings and subheadings • Pyramid approach – first sentence is main point • Divide info into small chunks • Short Paragraphs

9. Characteristics of On-line Communication

10. Techniques for Writing Effective On-line Help • Organize information for easy navigation. • Back buttons • On-line table of contents (TOC) • Help pull-down menu • Search mechanisms • Recognize your audience. • Achieve a positive, personalized tone.

11. Techniques for Writing Effective On-line Help • Design your document. • Use color sparingly. • Pick a consistent color scheme. • Have a reason for each color or graphic. • Use a 10-point sans serif font (Arial). • Use white space.

12. Techniques for Writing Effective On-line Help • Be concise. • Be clear. • Provide tutorials. • Use graphics to show end results. • Provide cross references. • Use pop-up definitions.

13. Techniques for Writing Effective On-line Help • Ensure access on multiple platforms • PCs and Macs • Internet Exchange and Navigator

14. Techniques for Writing Effective On-line Help On-line TOC and Index Arial font Search mechanism Pop-up definitions

15. Techniques for Writing Effective On-line Help Topics About this Guide Product Description Assemble the ???? ??? Instructions???? ??? Instructions???? ??? Instructions???? ??? Instructions???? Troubleshooting???? About this Guide One or two line introduction. Heading Put some text here…..

16. Techniques for Writing Effective Web Sites • Home Page • Identification information • Name of company • Name of product or service • Contact information (phone, fax, e-mail, etc.) • Graphic—logo or pictorial representation of company/product/service • Lead-in Introduction—slogan or sentence • Hypertext links (navigation bar)

17. Techniques for Writing Effective Web Sites • Sample Home Page with graphical logo, lead-in, navigation bar, and link to contact information

18. Techniques for Writing Effective Web Sites • Linked Pages • Headings • Development • Specific details about price, product, service, credentials, etc.

19. Techniques for Writing Effective Web Sites • Navigation • Home buttons—allowing e-readers to return to the home page • Links between the screens—a navigation bar (“nav. bar”) on all screens

20. Techniques for Writing Effective Web Sites Home button Page heading Nav. bar

21. Techniques for Writing Effective Web Sites • Document design • Background—optimal contrast for easy readability • Font • Sans serif • 12- to 14-point type • No italics or underlining • Avoid ALL CAPS

22. Techniques for Writing Effective Web Sites • Document design (cont.) • Color—optimum contrast (black on white/white on black) • BAD—hard to read • GOOD—easy to read Yellow font on a blue background is hard to read. Black font on a white background is easy to read.

23. Techniques for Writing Effective Web Sites • Document design (cont.) • Graphics • JPGs, GIFs • Avoid large graphics—cause download delays

24. Techniques for Writing Effective Web Sites • Document design (cont.) • GOOD Online Highlighting • Lines (horizontal rules) separate headings and subheadings from the text. • Bullets and icons enliven text and break up wall-to-wall words. • First- and second-level headings separate key ideas. • Boldface emphasizes important points. • White space makes text more readable.

25. Techniques for Writing Effective Web Sites • Document design (cont.) • BAD Online Highlighting • Frames load slowly and are distracting. • Italics are not easy to read online. • Underlining looks like hypertext links. • Java applets take a long time to load. • Video requires downloadable add-ons. • Animation can be very sophomoric.

26. Techniques for Writing Effective Web Sites • Style • Conciseness—to limit scrolling • Personalized tone • Correct grammar—your Web site is global. Don’t exhibit errors on the Web, World Wide.