Conference vaxuum::online_bookbuilding

56.0. "Bookrdr/DECw Figures etc." by DONVAN::ABBOTT () Wed Dec 28 1988 15:30

    Bookreader--Glossary (as in User's Guide).  Is only the listing
    of entries (and not the definitions) a good idea?  In a test book
    I did, its glossary included defs.  Also, is this method (no defs)
    discussed anywhere in documentation (or in any Help text)?  Check
    to see if description matches reality (once established).
    
    Bookreader--Absence of captions/numbers/toc entries for figures
    (and tables, examples, if question applies).  Is this a good idea?
    Cuts out any quick way (or even slower way) to locate figures at
    random, seems frustrating.  And even when figure IS clicked on
    right in text, the absence of an identifying "label" makes the
    thrust of the figure's content nebulous (the user has to mentally
    make the effort to name and remember the purpose of the figure).
    
    Additionally, when the direction to click on a figure occurs amidst
    a list of numbered directions, it can (and does in the User's Guide)
    seem (for me) to make the step that follows not work, plus break
    the flow of text, as the figure comes up in a pop-up window.  
    
    Also, is there any direction to the user on how to use the "Close"
    function at the bottom of the figure window??  Susan (P.) thought
     that, instead of "Close Topic", a figure could more accurately
    say "Close Figure" there, and "Close .....whatever: Table, etc.
    
    I also found the instructions in this book (VMS DECw. User's Guide)
    difficult to follow (here and there); particularly with the
    directions on using the Mail application and THEN (at a rather
    involved stage, or "inner nest") explaining resizing, moving.
    
    All this may be really no problem, IF the general use of DECw
    is assumed (and been "taught" elsewhere).  But I had the 
    feeling that for a novice, it's rather tough sledding.

    These comments are good. I'll try to respond to each briefly. I
    think that future versions of Bookreader will address several of
    these items, making it easier for novice users.
    
    Bookreader glossary -- we know that we need some way of highlighting
    what is hot in the text window. In the case of glossary entries, the
    user is presented with a list of terms which are hot: when you click on
    the term, the definition pops up. Without highlighting, a novice user
    who happens to hit a glossary could well conclude that there are *no*
    definitions for the terms. The highlighting function is on the list for
    a future version of the Bookreader. 
    
    Bookreader -- absence of captions, etc. This puzzles me because
    we *do* use captions, numbers, toc entries for formal figures, tables,
    and examples, just as for hardcopy. I would need to see an example
    of this problem...
    
    Directions to click within a list of directions -- this could be
    confusing and I think it is primarily a style issue: how best to
    present the information so it is clear to the user? Writers, editors,
    and proofreaders are going to need to consider how well writing
    techniques work for online. It also sounds like highlighting of
    hot spots would be helpful here, and perhaps some further refinements
    of how we do hotspots on the screen.
    
    Directions for 'close' function -- I believe the Bookreader user
    information documents this. We could certainly consider, for a future
    version of the Bookreaer, whether different terms in the buttons might
    be more helpful.
    
    Instructions difficult to follow -- this sounds like an editorial
    problem, not specific to online docs.
    
    Thanks.