Online Help
Compiled HTML Help file, 62KB
Web Help System, online
This project is for the hypothetical Travel Office at Sony Corporation.
Objective: Create a stand-alone help utility using contents from an existing document.
Skills used:
- Information architecture
- Indexing
- Design
Document features:
- Inter-topic jumps
- Advanced search
- Popups
Comments: Formatting the layout and appearance of the help system was a significant activity. It involved knowledge gained from other courses on topics such as interpreting text and information aesthetics. I used the font Verdana since it is sans-serif, fit for reading on screen, and modern looking like many Sony products. It was important that all the topics appeared as part of a unified whole, so I implemented a consistent layout with a branding image in the upper-right corner of each.
I wanted to put features in the help system that would enhance the user experience. The Favorites tab is a simple way for users to track frequently accessed help topics. The Home button quickly takes you back to the Overview topic. The advanced Search feature is powerful and just as easy to use as the default search. The Options button adds the Search Highlight toggle, a useful feature not found elsewhere in the help system. Together these feature make the help system powerful and easy to use.
