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Resources to
Master the Information
Design Process

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Below are links to how-to articles, worksheets, and samples that assist you in performing the various tasks in the process of designing and developing information.

Following a process is a critical factor in successfully designing and developing information. By following one, you have, at the least, a check list of sorts that helps you make sure that you complete every task and, at the most, a guide to make sure that you address issues in the most logical sequence.

By following a well-defined process and applying creative design and development techniques, you can design communication products in the most effective and efficient manner, and publish material that will dazzle clients (internal to your organization or external) and users alike.

How-to Materials on Information Design 1. First Thoughts: An Overview of the Design and Development of Technical Communication Products

Purpose of Technical Communication
The Process for Developing Technical Communication Products
Principles of Technical Communication

1. Analyzing the Needs

Conducting a Needs Analyis
Checklist for Conducting a Needs Analyis

3. Setting the Goals

How to Write Objectives
How to Write Business Objectives (links to the Business and Management of Information Design website)
Demonstrating the Value and Effectiveness of Technical Communication Products and Services (links to the Business and Management of Information Design website)

4. Choosing the Form

How to Choose a "Type" of Communication Product
How to Choose a Communications Medium

5. Designing the Function
6. Setting Guidelines

How to Set Editorial and Other Product Guidelines
How to Set Project Guidelines (links to the Business and Management of Information Design website)

How-to Materials on Information Development

The Drafting Process
Revising a Draft Information Product
How to Prepare Front and Back Matter, and Other "Book Elements"

How-to Materials on Production and Maintenance 1. Overview of the Production Process

Task 1: Prepare the Components of a Communication Product for Production
Task 2: Prepare the Master Copy
Task 3: Duplicate the Master Copy
Task 4: Distribute the Communication Product to Users

2. Overview of the Maintenance Phase (links to the Business and Management of Information Design website)

Worksheets Worksheet for Preparing an Information Plan
Simplified Worksheet for Preparing an Information Plan (for smaller projects)
Choosing a Communications Medium to Deliver Information
Preparing for the Maintenance Phases (links to the Business and Management of Information Design website)
Setting Editorial, Technical, and Production Guidelines
Samples Sample of a Simplified Information Plan
Sample of a Reader's Comment Form
Sample of a Usability Scenario

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(c) Copyright. 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002. Saul Carliner. All rights reserved.