Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

• Summer Quarter 2009
• Autumn Quarter 2009

David K. Farkas
T C 407
Seattle Campus

Software User Assistance

Concepts and skills for preparing manuals, online help systems, performance-support systems, and other forms of locally stored and Web-based software user assistance. Includes principles of human-computer interaction, usability evaluation, and the software-development process. Students create both end-user and developer documentation. Prerequisite: T C 310. Offered: Sp.

Class description

Students learn to design and create the full spectrum of information resources users need to master complex interfaces. We focus on interface text, help systems and manuals, wizards, tutorials, and KB articles. The course includes the roles of user-generated content and support provided by social media. The concepts and skills taught in this course will prove valuable for technical communicators, user experience designers, and those who work in software development teams.

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Lecture and discussion plus small-group activities. Students will create a help system as a course project, possibly working in groups.

Recommended preparation

TC 310 recommended. TC major, or permission of instructor.

Class assignments and grading

Please see course website.

Please see course website.

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Modified:June 20, 2009