Componentization of HTML-based online help

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the case for componentization of HTML-based help webs. Instead of providing a single, monolithic help web for a complex software product, content providers can provide online help that is divided (or componentized) along the same functional lines as the software itself. Traditionally, online help has been chunked according to task orientation, and a component-centered approach appears to challenge task orientation. In the proposed approach, componentization is achieved without sacrificing a task-orientation; they complement one another. Componentization of online help makes the help system more usable for users, and makes the task of integrating help content more flexible for help content providers — all without sacrificing the user's task perspective.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.7 DOCUMENT AND TEXT PROCESSING
      I.7.2 Document Preparation

          Nouns: HTML

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.5 On-line Information Services
          Subjects: Web-based services
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Training, help, and documentation
      H.5.3 Group and Organization Interfaces

          Nouns: WEB

General Terms:
Design, Documentation, Human Factors, Languages, Management, Performance, Theory