OT: Heading levels in a UG

[Diane Gaskill]

I agree with Neeraj.  Several years ago when I was working at HP, we did
some usability studies (HP is heavy into usability) and we found that most
docs and users could actually get along with just three heading levels.  But
we used four levels because there were often small topics that needed
separating.  Sorry, but I don't have the studies now.  We also use four
heading levels here at HDS.

Neeraj makes a good poing about scrolling.  Users don't like to have to
scroll very far to find what they are looking for.  To minimize the amount
of scrolling users must do to display the information they are looking for,
you can include a set of links at the beginning of each chapter  Note that
these links are NOT a chapter TOC. TOC information is already included in
the Bookmarks.  Instead, these links are manually created Xrefs to the tasks
or information that the writers and/or SMEs have determined that users need
most. The Xrefs can link to any heading, paragraph, figure, or table, as
needed.

Creating the links is a bit of work, but we have a reason for it. Our goal
at HDS is that users should be able to find any information they are looking
for in a PDF in 3 clicks or 30 seconds or less.  We start with a link on the
front cover that takes them to a table in the Preface.  The table includes
linked chapter names and a one sentence descripton of the chapter contents.
The chapter links take the users to the beginning of the chapter or appendix
of interest.  BTW, our beta tests confirm that this works.

Diane Gaskill
Hitachi Data Systems
=====================

-----Original Message-----
From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com
[mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com]On Behalf Of Neeraj Jain
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:20 AM
To: Evanth, Henrik
Cc: framers at lists.frameusers.com
Subject: Re: OT: Heading levels in a UG


I think that a UG should not have more than 4 heading levels. More
the heading levels, more the user will be forced to scroll up and down or
click the expand all/collapse all button if it is going to be converted into
online format.
 
________________________________________________

Your smile can help you clear all types of interviews
Regards,
N. Jain
http://www.neerajjain8.com
 


 




________________________________
From: "Evanth, Henrik" <Henrik.Evanth at sonyericsson.com>
To: "framers at lists.frameusers.com" <framers at lists.frameusers.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 12:55:30 PM
Subject: OT: Heading levels in a UG

Hi All

I have an off-topic question that may or may not interest you.

We are having a discussion at the office regarding the maximum levels of
heading that a User guide/User manual can/should contain. Do you know of any
best practice rules that define how deep a publication should/could be.
Personally I think that 6 levels is too deep for a user, but that is just a
personal preference that I cannot back up with "evidence".

Heading 1
  Heading 2
      Heading 3
        Heading 4
            Heading 5
              Heading 6
 
Insights, comments or instructions are highly appreciated.

Best Regards
/Henrik

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