User-Centered Information Design for Improved Software Usability (Artech House Computer Science Library) [Hardcover]

Pradeep Henry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 31, 1998 | Series: Artech House Computer Science Library

This text helps the reader generate clear, effective documentation that is tailored to the information requirements of the end-user. Written for technical writers and their managers, quality assurance experts, and software engineers, the book describes a user-centered information design method (UCID) that should help ensure documentation conveys significant information for the user. The UCID shows how to: integrate the four major information components of a software system - user interface labels, messages, online and printed documentation; make sure these elements work together to improve usability; deploy iterative design and prototyping procedures that minimize flaws and save time and money; and guide technical writers effectively.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Pradeep Henry has more than 10 years professional experience in technical communication and usability engineering. He has written and edited for IBM's programming labs worldwide, and has designed and taught corporate courses in technical communication and user interface design. He received a B.S. in Physics and an M.A. in English, both from the University of Madras.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: Artech House Publishers (May 31, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890069468
• ISBN-13: 978-0890069462
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,874,996 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Rip Off & Useless - DO NOT BUY, December 2, 2008

By 

J. Mitchell - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: User-Centered Information Design for Improved Software Usability (Artech House Computer Science Library) (Hardcover)

For someone focusing in information design, he sure filled this with utter trash.

He has idealized huge steps in software design, making biased and baseless claims about a variety of facets of the designing process.

All of the information in this book is common sense and the bare minimum in user information dating all the way back to windows 1.0. There is nothing unique or useful in the information this book communicates.

His diagrams or 'figures' (that contain no quantifiable information) as he calls them are overly simplified and essentially assume an audience of idiots, merely acting as filler to bulk out the book to its measly 200 pages.

Lastly, let me draw attention to his qualifications. BSc in Physics, MA in English and "has also recently taken a software usability engineering course".

For someone writing an apparently 'authoritative' book on usability, you tend not to wish to see the words "has also recently taken a software usability engineering course".

Its a parallel of me watching a documentary on penguins then writing an overpriced 'authoritative book' on their habits.

Unfortunately I paid a ridiculous amount for something I would be embarrassed to use as a door stop, this book is on the fast track to kindling paper.

Summing up, this book is dated and was never relevant at the time of its release.

To be honest, 1 star out of 5 is too much.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars What a waste!, November 11, 2009

By 

Tapas K. Chandra "BA/PM Guy" (CARLE PLACE, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: User-Centered Information Design for Improved Software Usability (Artech House Computer Science Library) (Hardcover)

I am really surprised that the publisher actually thought of printing the book and the original price for it is designed to sell, is preposterous. The author apparently is clueless, but how could the publisher print such a book. What a waste!