Glossary

These terms are defined within the context of the technical communication industry:
A computer program that allows you to create a help system. Examples include: Author-it, doc-to-help, and Sevensteps.
 * Authoring Environment**

Mental model of a person (or organization, etc) used in learning. One person’s schema might be to read the chapter titles first, then look at the copyright year, read the table of contents, and then look in the glossary.
 * Cognitive Schema**

The study of how people think.
 * Cognitive Science**

Agreed upon definitions of words in content creation to maintain consistency of terminology.
 * Controlled Language**

DITA consists of a Document Type Definition (DTD), which specifies how the elements and that make up a DITA document can be defined.
 * DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture)**

Documents used to guide the development of a software application. Document describes the users and the function of the program.
 * Development Specification**

The set of instructions usually supplied by a software maker. May include a getting started guide, and reference manual etc.
 * Documentation Sets**

Lays out for members of the documentation team the goals and the plans for the documentation set.
 * Documentation Plan**

A usability test conducted at a user’s location or workplace.
 * Field Test**

A method of writing that tries to reduce the local interpretation of a words.
 * Globalize language**

Text display on a computer screen that when clicked on bring a user to another web location.
 * Hypertext**

The organization and labeling of information, especially related to web site design; strength is measured in usability testing
 * Information Architecture**

The design of digital products and their interfaces with a focus on user behavior.
 * Interaction Design**

A method of writing that uses local interpretation of words.
 * Localized Language**

A technology that delivers content.
 * Media**

How interface elements appear in a written manual. For example italacs is used to show commands.
 * Notational Conventions**

Created so that concept can be usefully defined about a concept that might otherwise be too vague. For example defining efficiency as when a test is completed within 30 minutes.
 * Operational Definition**

Language that emphasizes the performance of a task. Pre release user testing should reveal what tasks are important.
 * Performance-Oriented**

A method to record user testing so that analysis can be made of the user interaction with developing content.\
 * Protocol method**

Levels relate to the teaching level (tutorial), the guidance level (procedures), and the reference level (reference). These levels provide different teaching goals. They are to teach, to walk through step by step, and to provide data.
 * Levels of Support**

Having reviewers see the content one after another until all have had the chance to review the same document.
 * Sequential Circulation**

Having reviewers review their own copy and having all the reviews done at the same time.
 * Simultaneous Circulation**

A way to organize content of help so that this content is created once but available through a variety of formats an media.
 * Single Source**

Un awknowledged knowledge, often a user is not aware they are using it. The ability to do something without being able to explain why.
 * Tacit Knowledge**

New combinations of media that have not been used together to create a new kind of message.
 * Transmedia**

How well users can learn and use a product to achieve their goals and how satisfied they are with that process; measures ease of learning, efficiency of use, memorability, error frequency and severity, and subjective satisfaction.
 * Usability**

A place equipped with computers, software, and recording equipment for use in testing the usability of software, websites and documentation products.
 * Usability Lab**

Before the release of a website having a representational audience try the content and navigation to see if the website is easy to use.
 * Usability testing**

A website that allows multiple users to work collaboratively to create and edit content.
 * Wiki**

Sources Barrier, Thomas T., 2003, //Writing Software Documentation//, Pearson Education Inc.