Tag Archives: user manuals

What is “user focus” really about?

Posted on 26 February 2011 by David Farbey

The best instructions are always written from the user’s point of view. But what does that mean? What is that point of view, and how do you reconcile that point of view with the widespread expectation amongst people who employ … Continue reading →

Posted in information design, technical writing | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

How much does it cost to NOT write a user guide?

Posted on 9 January 2011 by David Farbey

Ivan Walsh recently published an article called How Much Does It Cost To Write a User Guide? Like all Ivan’s articles this was very clear and sensible piece, and it explained all the different factors involved in determining the price … Continue reading →

Posted in technical writing | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

User Documentation Survey 2009

Posted on 9 September 2009 by David Farbey

I’ve just launched my latest user documentation survey – click here to take part. Please do take part (it will only take you five minutes), and please pass this invitation on to anyone who might be interested. I’d like to … Continue reading →

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Two views on manuals from the BBC

Posted on 24 August 2009 by David Farbey

While last Friday’s BBC Radio 4 programme presented by Mark Miodownik on How to write an Instruction Manual presented an upbeat and quirky view of the history and importance of instruction manuals, the BBC’s technology correspondent, Rory Cellan-Jones, has presented … Continue reading →

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Instruction manuals on BBC radio

Posted on 18 August 2009 by David Farbey

BBC Radio 4 is presenting a half-hour documentary on instruction manuals this Friday 21st August at 11:00am. One of the interviewees is Simon Butler, President of the ISTC. A few weeks ago, the researcher working on this programme posted a … Continue reading →

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