User Manuals with Views
Dino Karabeg
University of Oslo
Main result
A taxonomy of user manual views.
LECTURE PLAN
1. Motivation
Why multiple views?
2. Method
• Polyscopic modeling
• Semiotics.
3. Taxonomy of views
• Three main aspects
• Hierarchies
• Dynamic views
1. Motivation
Problem: Contradictory requirements
• Complete information
• Clarity, fast and easy access
Solution: (Hierarchical) structure
Phone book, geographical maps, technical
drawing
2. Method
Two sources
1. Polyscopic Modeling
General-purpose information design methodology
How to organize information in terms of
multiple views.
2. Semiotics
Scientific analysis of information
What the meaningful choice of views might be.
Polyscopic Modeling (a)
Polyscopic Modeling is a general-purpose
information design methodology
design
≈
methodology
Information Design Challenge ideogram
Modern culture with traditional informing
is like a bus with candle headlights.
Polyscopic Modeling (b)
Polyscopic modeling is information
design by scope design
Information Design by Polyscopic Modeling
ideogram
Polyscopic Modeling (c)
Polyscopic information is structured as a
hierarchy of views.
Polyscopic Information ideogram
Polyscopic Modeling (d)
Views are chosen so that they create a
clear and correct perspective.
Scopes and Views ideogram
Semiotics
Viewpoints in analysis of information ≈
viewpoints in manual design.
Semiotic triad:
syntax, semantics, pragmatics
Roland Barthes
in "Introduction to the Structural Analysis of Narratives"
distinguishes three levels of description of literary texts:
functions, actions, narration
3. Taxonomy of views
a. Aspects
≈ projection planes
b. Hierarchies
≈ phonebook, atlas
c. Dynamic views
on-line manuals
Taxonomy of views (a)
Aspects
• Functions tell about operations that can be
performed by a technical object and about the
implements for controlling those operations.
Figuratively, functions may be imagined as
push buttons.
• Actions can be thought of as procedures to be
performed. They explain how to accomplish
desired effects by using sequences of
functions.
• Explanations allow us to understand functions
and actions, possibly by explaining the
construction or the manner of operation of a
technical object.
Taxonomy of views (b)
Hierarchies (examples)
• Building block vs. detail . This hierarchy reflects
the level of detail.
• Abstract vs. concrete. This hierarchy reflects
the level of abstraction.
• Frequent vs. infrequent. This hierarchy reflects
the frequency of usage.
• Novice user vs. expert. This hierarchy reflects
the level of expertise.
Taxonomy of views (c)
Dynamic views
Online information allows us to
create the view dynamically
according to the specific needs of
the user.
Conclusion
User manuals with views provide
• efficiency
• simplicity
• clarity.
User manuals with views allow us to take advantage o
online information.
The taxonomy of views is a theoretical foundation fo
designing user manuals with views.