Most people don't associate software user manuals with anything attractive, exciting, or fun. This is because too many software user guides, quick start guides, demonstrations, etc. are driven by a large amount of text with little consideration of what the end-user will benefit from.
There is an Alternative!
The best user documentation does not explain how to use the program in large and ambiguous chunks. It shows how to use images and videos in bite-sized chunks that clearly define, in simple words, how to perform activities that help them succeed.
Above all, it's a lot easier than you think. I will show you 5 simple techniques to enhance your software documentation with images and videos that please your customers while helping them be more successful with your products.
Why Is Visual Software Documentation Desirable?
When we conducted the Value of Visuals survey, we expected people to learn better by providing visuals as well as text. But what we didn't expect was the importance of visual content.
Approximately 70% of people not only prefer visual instructions to text-only instructions, but also learn faster, complete tasks more accurately, and retain knowledge longer. To be honest, it was pretty good.
Also, according to the latest video viewer survey data, consumers are increasingly seeking help and instructions via video rather than old-fashioned PDFs and text-rich homepages.
The final conclusion is that people not only enjoy graphics and videos (they do!) but also get more from them.
This means fewer unhappy and more successful customers and fewer phone calls, emails, and other inquiries to the technical support team.
How To Improve Software Docs With Images and Videos
Images and videos are an important part of a good software documentation approach but can be daunting, especially if you have little or no expertise.
You don't have to do this. It's easy to create high-quality images and movies, even if you've never been there before.
Make Use of Screenshots
One of the easiest ways to include a photo of the software user interface in your document is to use screenshots. Simple snapshots can be very helpful for users to navigate programs and websites, but when enhanced with annotations and callouts, they become essential and easy-to-understand tools.
A decent screenshot should be worth 10,000 words if a photo is worth a thousand words.
There is a free screenshot program, but more sophisticated and customizable choices like TechSmith Snagit make it even easier to create high-quality photos. You can display as many screens as you need. With Snagit's simple callouts and annotations, you can highlight important items or draw your attention to the most important ones.
You can use a series of screenshots to show you the steps required to complete your job. Alternatively, you can view everything in one image with Snagit's stepping tool.
See how to make great screenshots.
Use a Simple Visualization
Many software interfaces are complex and have multiple choices. And in most cases, you don't have to show everything when demonstrating a process or guide. In fact, looking at the entire interface can be confusing.
Simplified visuals help highlight what the viewer needs to see, rather than highlight unwanted parts of the snapshot.
Creating simple graphics is now easier than ever with Snagit. Simply select the Simplify tool and Snagit will do the rest when Auto-Simplify is enabled. You can choose the amount of information that Snagit displays to eliminate unnecessary simplifications.
For more precise control, simplifications can also be applied manually.
Somehow simplify the visuals so that users know where to look.
Create a Video Using Screenshots
Photos are an effective and valuable approach to enhancing software documentation, but video can be taken one step further by including motion and audio instructions.
If you've never shot a video before, the chances of getting started can be very scary. But even with little or no video expertise, you can make incredibly powerful movies. If you can take a screenshot, it will be almost halved.
Snagit will come to the rescue again. With Snagit, you can take a series of screenshots, convert them into short movies, and publish them as part of software documentation, help information, and other resources. In fact, it's a good idea for technical support staff to show consumers how to solve a problem.
You can take a screenshot and then make a movie, or you can use Snagit's Video from Image option to capture the screenshot. You can add voice and narration, but you can also add them.
Create a Video
Screenshots are nice and useful in many ways. However, in some cases, the video alone is sufficient. Screen recording captures screen footage and all mouse movements, clicks, etc.. unlike movies created from photos.
Snagit's built-in screen recorder allows you to capture all or part of your screen and comments. I want to add it. You can also include more unique cameras. Its personal touch will greatly help clients not be afraid to learn your program.
However, keep in mind that the ideal movie is as short as possible to show what you want to convey. Don't try to demonstrate how to use all the features in one video.
Consider An Alternative to PDF
Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF) has revolutionized the way data is communicated. These are ideal for situations where you want someone to be able to download and print a properly formatted copy of your document.
But to be honest, How often do you Download and Print the Program Documentation?
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Internet is the ability to share knowledge without having to print it. Instead of asking people to open the PDF, save the program's documentation to a page on your website. With more choices (including the ability to embed videos) and web pages that can be updated much more easily than PDFs, viewers are always up to date.
Also, unlike PDFs, online pages are very searchable. This means that if one of your customers is looking for information about your product, they are more likely to find it.
Download TechSmith Snagit Today and make your Technical Documentation even more fun and enjoyable to read for your target audience.
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