Improving consumer electronics documentation

With the possible exception of automobile manuals, documentation for consumer products might be the least used documentation still being published. Seriously, how many times do you refer to the documentation that came with your toaster, DVD player, or electric toothbrush? Digital cameras might be an exception, but mostly because their user interface design is so poorly executed and many cameras are as complex as Microsoft Word.

PhotoBert CheatSheets are one solution. They're a series of quick reference cards for digital cameras. My guess is that most people just ignore the advanced features of their rig, but for those who don't, this is a good idea. It surely beats carrying around the lengthy multi-lingual tome that came with the device. Now, who among you will do the same for microwave ovens?

See also: Gender Differences in Documentation Use, Automobile Manualsaurus, and Quick Reference Cards.

Posted: October 19, 2010 link to this item, Tweet this item, respond to this item