Solid user support documentation of WordPress themes and plugins is key for Users Experience. Many WordPress theme and plugin developers have frustrated users. Users are digging through websites, forums and surfing the web for answers on how to setup, use or modify WordPress products.
Learn how to create an effective learning channel incorporating Information Architecture and User Experience techniques. Develop a blue print to organize your step by step guides, video tutorials, troubleshooting tips, FAQ, and forums for easy findability for both novices and pros. Points to address include reducing your user’s pain points and learning curve, the value of UI consistency, alternative concept map of information and a developer’s documentation check list before release.
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Improving WordPress Themes & Plugins Support Documentation
1. Improving WordPress Themes & Plugins Support Documentation By Gloria Antonelli
2. About.me Fine artist Started web dev in mid 90’s Crazy about learning new technology Learn from the best Love to teach what I learn Go to a lot of conferences Shy online but not in person I consult, train and sometimes write. http://2011.chicago.wordcamp.org/2011/07/23/interview-with-gloria-antonelli/
3. Support documents & learning channels arekey for great User Experience.
4. The Problem Too many frustrated users are searching for answers on how to use your products. examples: All in one SEO & Thematic
5. It’s been the Wild West in WP development land. Are we ready to settle down with some standards in support document creation?
6. WP Gold Standard three d’s the development design documentation Create standards without stifling innovation and creativity.
7. Questions to ask yourself. What is your business model? Business goals? Full-time venture? Who are your target users? What is your development philosophy? Why are you making themes & plugins? Once you know tell your users!
8. the team : many hats, jobs & skills CODE DESIGN UI UX IA SEO The holy trinity UX IA Dev
17. WP Learning Curve html Multiple learning layers WordPress UI Theme Functionality Theme Options Theme Widgets Many Plugins css php
18. WP Learning Curve Advanced learning layers html WordPress UI Theme Functionality Theme Options Theme Widgets Many Plugins css php
19. Users Process Decide to use WordPress Plugin Selection Set up Theme Modify Theme Theme Selection > > > > repeat as needed read docs search web view videos view tutorials search web read reviews select & hope for the best read docs search web view videos view tutorials search web read reviews read docs search web
20. Theme Support, Option Page UI, & Plugins everyone is different Don’t know what to expect until you buy in. are you making users crazy?
21. Move from Dev Centric to User Centric Is there a clear learning path for all users?
51. Don’t start with just a forum! Users need more step by step: “get started” instructions – install & configure
52. Don’t start with just a forum! Users need more step by step: “get started” instructions – install & configure guides for troubleshooting, option page, features, modifying the theme Forums have a place but best to give answers before they are asked.
53. Don’t start with just a forum! Users need more step by step: “get started” instructions – install & configure guides for troubleshooting, option page, features, modifying the theme advance code & developers guide
54. Don’t start with just a forum! Users need more step by step: “get started” instructions – install & configure guides for troubleshooting, option page, features, modifying the theme advance code & developers guide videos, tutorials and faq
55. Don’t start with just a forum! Users need more step by step: “get started” instructions – install & configure guides for troubleshooting, option page, features, modifying the theme advance code & developers guide videos, tutorials and faq links to external resources
56. Don’t start with just a forum! Users need more step by step: get started instructions – install & configure guides for troubleshooting, option page, features, modifying the theme advance code & developers guide videos, tutorials and faq links to external resources Forums have a place but best to give answers before they are asked.
63. Information Architecture Arrange in order of importance Arrange in order of skill level Clear calls of action (Start Here) Clear navigation
64. Information Architecture Arrange in order of importance Arrange in order of skill level Clear calls of action (Start Here) Clear navigation Use descriptive headlines
65. Information Architecture Arrange in order of importance Arrange in order of skill level Clear calls of action (Start Here) Clear navigation Use descriptive headlines UI consistency for ease of use
66. Information Architecture Arrange in order of importance Arrange in order of skill level Clear calls of action (Start Here) Clear navigation Use descriptive headlines UI consistency for ease of use Link to external resources
67. Findability ability to locate and present usable information easily, accurately, and quickly as possible.
77. Instructional Creation Break down processes into clear step by step instructions. Create new tutorials from the forum conversations.
78. Instructional Creation Break down processes into clear step by step instructions. Create new tutorials from the forum conversations. Provide written content for videos.
79. Instructional Creation Break down processes into clear step by step instructions. Create new tutorials from the forum conversations. Provide written content for videos. Clarification of terminology.
80. Concept Map Model Create an infographic about your theme and theme learning channels. http://yoast.com/wordpress-theme-anatomy/
81. Standards & Best Practices UI Consistency reduces learning curve and leverages previous experience. Establishes UI conventions for Option pages and Plugin Documentation.
82. Gloria Antonelli Emerging Technologist Strategist Consultant & Trainer on Web 2.0 Techcocktail.com writer gloria@gloriaantonelli.com socially @gloriaantonelli on facebook, linkedin & twitter Thank You
83. Photo credit “Learn” Aaron Schmidt http://www.flickr.com/photos/aaronschmidt/ “Hat man” Andrew Warren http://www.flickr.com/photos/27273053@N05/4507100640/ Most others are my iPhone images from Art Museums in the US.