Link to Another Site

Here is a link to another blog:http://digitalcommunique.blogspot.com/. I thought this is actually a good blog that discuss the usage of search engines. Another discussion also discusses the power of blogs. It took me a while to find this blog, because their is a lot of crap on blogger.com and I mean crap.

The Process of Articulation

I think the process of articulation in reference to technical writing is as follows:

Look at the interface (see how the interface is designed)
Determine how I will complete the task using the interface (do I need to modify my process)
Complete my task using the interface (note any modified processes)

When using the above process, there are several issues to consider:

- Do particular interfaces influence how technical writers work? I think definitely this factors into how we complete our work. At times, while using certain interfaces, especially types we are unfamiliar with, we may need to consult a book or participate in a training session. While using other interfaces this step may not need to be involved.
- While using different interfaces, should I change my technical writing process? I think by using different interfaces it is important to consider if the same process will always work. Unfortunately, some people get into the habit of the same process and are not open to change. Just because we always complete something using a certain process, does not indicate it is the best approach. It is important to investigate our process often and determine how we can improve it.

I think that articulation can best operate by technical writers using a generic process to complete their documentation but investigate ways to complete tasks more efficiently and differently while using certain interfaces. It is also important to think of how we would complete our tasks if we need to transition to another interface and the issues that may arise.

Good Usable Web Sites

With the ease of the creation of web sites with tools such as Dreamweaver, everyone thinks they can be a web site designer. I think it is important to take at look at what is considered a good web site and who should be designing web sites.

I think that good web sites should consist of the following elements:

- Ease of organization. The web site should be easy to navigate in a way that makes sense for the audience.
- Different versions available. Keep in mind that not all users want or have Flash and music programs. Be sure to offer a text-only version and printable pages of lengthy documentation. (As this lesson was learned with the Steve Jobs video). It is very important to make sure that users can access the information on your site – or they will not come back.
- Clean consistent look. Make sure that the audience knows they are on the same web site when they visit all the pages of the site. Use the same color scheme, navigation, and headers and footers on all pages.

People who would like to call themselves web site designers will need to keep at minimum the above elements in mind. So before you start creating web sites, make sure you know much more than how to use Dreamweaver.