The user's experience is essential to producing quality documentation. There are many ways to learn more about your user audience and their needs. This understanding can lead to product improvements and increased customer satisfaction.

1. Content Feedback Methods DocTrain East October 31, 2008 Mirhonda Studevant & Jennifer Shankle

9. The Continuum High High Medium User Forums/Groups (virtual) 11 High Low Low Listing an email address for users to forward comments 10 High Medium Low Feedback Link directly within online documentation (single question) 9 High Medium Medium Online Surveys (multiple questions) 8 High High High Formal usability studies 7 Low High Medium Informal usability studies 6 Low Low Low Impromptu customer comments 5 Low High High User Forums/Groups (face-to-face) 4 Low Low Low Listing a telephone number for users to forward comments 3 Low Medium Low Rating question directly within documentation (single question) 2 Low Medium Medium Paper-based Surveys (multiple questions) 1 Tech Level Complexity Cost Method #

10. The Continuum

11. Your Place on The Continuum Leverage existing resources Justify future investments Maximize automation Promote results

29. Links Within Online Doc

32. Knowledge Base Feedback 1 2 3

33. Online Documentation Feedback Form