Chapter Summary

Modular presentations, which use small, independent functional units called modules, are an effective, comprehensive form of user documentation. Functional graphic layouts in modular presentations can be visually appealing to users. Additionally, the process of revising and maintaining modular presentations is efficient. To determine what type of modular presentation is appropriate based on users' needs, a user task matrix can be used to show the different levels of users, their professional skills, and their task requirements. Modules for novices generally should be linear, allowing the user to move to different modules once he or she has successfully completed the current module; users with higher levels of skills can use modules that offer other operation functions and allow users to move from one module to another at will. Appropriate headings are needed in modules to inform users of their content. Additionally, white space and graphics should be incorporated to create a visually appealing document.

User interfaces allow users to move from one module to another. Developments in personal computers have made navigation simple and user-friendly. Specifically, improvements in windows, icons, mouses, and pointers (WIMP) have reduced the operational space needed within a module.

Online Links

Search Engine Web sites (Page 103, Page 120)
www.altavista.com
www.askjeeves.com
www.google.com
www.webcrawler.com

WAI Quick Tips (Page 113)
http://www.w3.org/WAI/References/QuickTips/

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