The goal of this project was to create a comprehensive online user guide for our product that was accessible to all users, with the goal of reducing training and service costs while ensuring consistency and completeness.
Previously, Island Labs had relied on ad hoc instructional videos and other materials for individual features and releases, as well as in-person (or online) training for basic functionality. This was time-intensive and a potentially unreliable experience from a user’s perspective.
At the start of the project, we were able to quickly identify a technical solution for creating and hosting the site, which allowed us to focus our efforts on other important aspects of the project.
During the research phase, I took the time to gain a thorough understanding of the topics that needed to be covered in the guide. I also explored different approaches to structuring instructive material and familiarized myself with best practices for writing effective instructional content.
With a clear understanding of the topics to be covered, I began to design the architecture of the guide. I carefully considered the order in which to present the topics, taking into account grouping and priority. I reviewed the structure with other team members to ensure that it made sense and that we hadn't missed any important information.
While I'm not a professional copywriter, I do enjoy practicing my storytelling skills outside the realm of UX design. As such, I took on the task of writing the instructional text for the guide. I incorporated constant feedback from my design team to create polished, effective copy.
Visual aids are essential for instructional materials, so I worked closely with my design team to create illustrations, images, GIFs, and videos to complement the copy. We ensured the visuals were engaging, easy to understand, and consistent with the guide's overall tone and style.
The goal of the project was to create a user guide that we could continuously expand and improve upon. After the initial release, I took on the responsibility of maintaining and updating the guide. I added new content and pages, such as Glossary and FAQs sections.
During this project, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of collaboration between different roles and the benefits of involving key team members from the start. By including the right developer from the brainstorming phase, we were able to quickly find a technical solution that met the requirements from users, engineering, and design.
I also discovered the value of developing skills like writing that can complement and enhance my design practice.
