Developing Show Me Demonstrations for Online Help

1
Developing Show Me Demonstrations for Online Help
Rob Houser Founding Partner
Information Solutions in Any Media
2
Firsta little inspiration!

• Knobs, Buttons, and Switches
• Apprentices and Experts
• Attract Mode and Games

3
Attract Mode and Games
4
Attract Mode and Games
5
Attract Mode and Games
6
Attract Mode and Games
7
What is a Show Me demo?

• Emulation of the over-the-shoulder method of
  instruction
• Minimally interactive
• Structured and sequential
• Highly graphical
• Integrated with the online help

8
When should you use a demo?

• Unfamiliar techniques or environments
• When workflow/process is important
• Vital concepts/procedures for the product
• Complex procedures, spanning multiple parts of
  the user interface
• Known problem areas for users
• No other training is provided

9
Types of Demonstrations

• Orientation
• Quick Tour
• Procedure

10
Orientation

• Suggests how the product can be used to
  accomplish real work (goals)
• Invites the users to learn more about the
  products basic concepts
• May introduce/reinforce workflow
• Defines roles of users

11
(No Transcript)
12
(No Transcript)
13
(No Transcript)
14
Orientation - Methods

• Method 1 (demo for presentation)
• Take screen shot/Create original graphic
• Annotate graphic in PaintShop Pro
• Add image map in Dreamweaver/RoboHelp
• Method 2 (alternative)
• Take screen shot
• Use Flash to annotate and make interactive

15
Orientation - Tips

• Make sure the hot spots are obvious
• Use layering to invite users to get as much
  detail as they need
• Provide enough to get users started using and
  exploring the product

16
Quick Tour

• Walk through of the product
• Highlights important product features
• Introduces navigation and terminology
• Helps user apply product to their lives
• Often used by marketing and sales

17
(No Transcript)
18
(No Transcript)
19
(No Transcript)
20
(No Transcript)
21
(No Transcript)
22
(No Transcript)
23
Quick Tour - Methods

• Method 1 (alternative)
• Take screen shots/Create original graphics
• Annotate screen shots in PaintShop Pro
• Add navigation in Dreamweaver/RoboHelp
• Method 2 (demo for presentation)
• Use RoboDemo to capture application tour
• Insert PowerPoint slides for intros, transitions,
  and concepts
• Add captions or voiceover in RoboDemo
• Method 3 (alternative)
• Take screen shots/Create original graphics
• Use Flash to annotate and make interactive

24
Quick Tour - Tips

• Dont try to show all of the features
• Provide a scenario to make the walk through seem
  more realistic
• Create multiple walk-throughs (or paths) for
  different user groups
• Make tours usable from the Web site as well as
  the Help

25
Procedures

• Shows the user interface with real data for a
  step-by-step procedure
• Makes complex/unfamiliar procedures accessible
• Shows mouse-driven actions effectively
• Gives users a sense of timing
• Explains reasons for procedures (how why)
• Reinforces best practices

26
(No Transcript)
27
(No Transcript)
28
(No Transcript)
29
(No Transcript)
30
(No Transcript)
31
(No Transcript)
32
(No Transcript)
33
(No Transcript)
34
Procedures - Methods

• Method 1 (alternative)
• Take screen shots/Create original graphics
• Annotate screen shots in PaintShop Pro
• Add navigation in Dreamweaver/RoboHelp
• Method 2 (alternative)
• Use RoboDemo to capture application tour
• Insert PowerPoint slides for intros, transitions,
  and concepts
• Add captions or voiceover in RoboDemo
• Method 3 (alternative)
• Take screen shots/Create original graphics
• Use Flash to annotate and make interactive
• Method 4 (demo for presentation)
• Take screen shots/Create original graphics
• Use layers and DHTML to simulate procedure

35
Procedures - Tips

• Keep sequences brief
• Focus on a single task
• Indicate progress through the sequence
• Allow users to get back where they started
• Keep text explanations brief
• Sound makes the demos easier to use

36
Conclusion

• Goal of Show Me demos is to support and improve
  performance
• Increases perceptions of quality of your help
• May set the stage for more formal training

37
Thank you!

• Rob Houser, Founding Partner
• User First Services
• www.userfirst.net
• rob_at_userfirst.net
• 404-797-9350