language agnostic - Is help file (or user manual) dead? -

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back in days of unix, couldn't close software without reading man page first. came mac , windows consistent menu layout , keyboard shortcuts, still saw paper user manuals shipped in shrinkwrap box, described each , every single operation possible in app. after internet, files became html documents.

nowadays web 2.0 applications, hardly see help. if it's there, describe specific tasks. in other words, apps relying more on common sense or don't-make-me-think factor of user base.

years ago microsoft came concept called inductive user interface, tells programmers put in instructions on apps itself, not sure how popular idea is.

are files, user manuals, , context sensitive online f1 key dead? have failed if user not find out ui? if not, degree of should provide? (both desktop , web app)

edit: how documentation/help file mesh agile development methods? example, should developers think twice before ui changes may obsolete bunch of screenshots?

have failed if user not find out ui? if not, degree of should provide? (both desktop , web app)

they should able use your app basic things ui. eg image editor, should able create new image, , draw lines save looking @ ui.

this best done following common layouts (like having new, open , save under file in menubar, , using standard open , save dialogs).

the same goes webapps, people exspect able basic stuff without having read docs, more advanced features people still read docs. (eg pople read docs bb code, or markdown @ least sometimes, expect able post without having know them)

are files, user manuals, , context sensitive online f1 key dead?

they still have place. people use them learn how best use various features, example markdown or bbcode, or how use filters effects in image editor.


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