HTML5 promises to transform technical documentation by allowing for responsive design, interactivity, and accessibility across all devices. While HTML5 has limitations and requires technical writers to learn new skills, its benefits such as semantic markup, embedded graphics and video, and localization support outweigh these challenges. The future of technical communication lies in standards like HTML5 that can deliver documentation to users anywhere through a web browser. However, native apps still have advantages for specialized documentation needs. Overall, HTML5 has potential to improve the user experience of technical documentation if its costs and learning curves can be properly managed.
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HTML5 and mobile learning are coming of age rapidly. This white paper describes how rapid interactivity approach pioneered by Raptivity applies to HTML5 technology and m-Learning.
Bridge-Stage Framework for the Smartphone Application Development using HTML5ijsrd.com
Now a days, the Web has become an integral part of our everyday lives. The rapid growth of the smart phone market has brought the Web from our home desks to anywhere we are, and enabled us to access this vast source of information at any time. The mobile operating systems (OS) used by modern smart phones are too diverse such as Google's Android, Apple's iOS, Microsoft's Windows Phone, and so on. Smartphone application development is done using native platform such as iPhone using Objective-C, Android using Java, Windows Mobile using C# and so on. Therefore, a bridge stage framework which supports 'Write once and deploy everywhere' is required to support the development of Smartphone applications. This paper presents the HTML5-based bridge stage framework which uses Phone Gap and Web kit to support the development of Smartphone applications that are written as Web applications. A big problem with developing applications for mobile devices is platform fragmentation [6]. That means that there are many different mobile platforms that are further divided by the different versions available [5][2]. Users with older hardware are left without support and updates as newer devices are put out on the market [9]. This means that the developer has the choice between limiting the solutions and only aim for a minor part of the spectra or to develop for more platforms to reach as many users as possible. To maximize the amount of possible users, the developer has to create an application for each platform and make sure that they are backwards compatible so that users with older devices can use them.
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Html5 & mlearning: The rapid interactivity approachRaptivity
HTML5 and mobile learning are coming of age rapidly. This white paper describes how rapid interactivity approach pioneered by Raptivity applies to HTML5 technology and m-Learning.
Bridge-Stage Framework for the Smartphone Application Development using HTML5ijsrd.com
Now a days, the Web has become an integral part of our everyday lives. The rapid growth of the smart phone market has brought the Web from our home desks to anywhere we are, and enabled us to access this vast source of information at any time. The mobile operating systems (OS) used by modern smart phones are too diverse such as Google's Android, Apple's iOS, Microsoft's Windows Phone, and so on. Smartphone application development is done using native platform such as iPhone using Objective-C, Android using Java, Windows Mobile using C# and so on. Therefore, a bridge stage framework which supports 'Write once and deploy everywhere' is required to support the development of Smartphone applications. This paper presents the HTML5-based bridge stage framework which uses Phone Gap and Web kit to support the development of Smartphone applications that are written as Web applications. A big problem with developing applications for mobile devices is platform fragmentation [6]. That means that there are many different mobile platforms that are further divided by the different versions available [5][2]. Users with older hardware are left without support and updates as newer devices are put out on the market [9]. This means that the developer has the choice between limiting the solutions and only aim for a minor part of the spectra or to develop for more platforms to reach as many users as possible. To maximize the amount of possible users, the developer has to create an application for each platform and make sure that they are backwards compatible so that users with older devices can use them.
EMP Designs Intranet to Emulate iPhone Interface using Open Text TechnologiesRich_C07
Unique user interface provides physicians with improved access to applications, an effective navigational structure, and a more personalized end user experience
Migrating to HTML5, Migrating Silverlight to HTML5, Migration Applications t...Idexcel Technologies
HTML5 Migration: HTML5 provides developers with powerful, cross-platforms tools for their mobile and web applications, and they get a powerful alternative to the age-old proprietary tools. As it is an open standard, companies can improve its functionality and feature-set as per their requirements.
Owing to its new and powerful features for both developers and end-users, it is already used to code websites around the world.HTML5 is enabled by all-new modern desktops and mobile browsers, or for mobile app web development.
HTML5 Development Benefits, Features and Cost For 2024.pdfJPLoft Solutions
There is a tremendous demand for mobile application development services. The use of smartphones for the Internet is increasing. When it comes time to develop an app for mobile, there are two choices. - HTML5 or Native Platform. Which platform best fits your app's idea is a significant issue and has been extensively debated across development communities.
Welcome to
XHTML Web Designs
The Evolution and Legacy of XHTML in Web Design
Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML) continues to be a significant turning point in the development of the World Wide Web despite the dynamic nature of the field of web design and the cyclical nature of technologies and standards. The impact and guiding principles of XHTML still have an impact on contemporary web design techniques even though its prime was in the early 2000s. We will go into the realm of XHTML web design in this extensive 2000 word post, examining its background, importance, and lasting legacy.
XHTML Understanding
Recognizing XHTML
It's critical to begin with a fundamental comprehension of what XHTML is and why it matters in order to fully appreciate its significance. The advantages of XML (Extensible Markup Language) and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) are combined in XHTML. It was established in 2000 to take the place of HTML with the intention of bringing a more rigid, structured method of web building.
The Switch from HTML to XHTML
The change from HTML to XHTML signified a fundamental shift in how web designers and developers handled their profession. It was not only about semantics and syntax. XHTML emphasized well-structured, well-formed documents and set the stage for future web standards compliance.
Important XHTML Features
Web Accessibility and XHTML: One of XHTML's distinguishing features was how strongly it stressed XHTML Web Designs web accessibility. This section will go through how XHTML was essential in enhancing the accessibility and user-friendliness of the web.
The Influence of XHTML on Modern Web Design XHTML itself has grown rather dated, but its guiding principles and philosophy still influence contemporary web design. We'll look at how ideas like separating content from presentation, using CSS, and adhering to web standards are still applicable today.
In its time, XHTML brought a number of significant features and advancements that set it apart as a preferred option for online design. To see why these features were important, we will examine some of them, including case sensitivity, self-closing tags, and document structure.
The HTML5 Transition
The dominance of XHTML as the primary web markup language was very brief; in the late 2000s, HTML5 took its place. We'll talk about the causes of this change and how it affected the field of web design.
Use of XHTML in Modern Web Projects
Surprisingly, XHTML is still used in some legacy systems and web projects. We'll look into the causes of this tenacity as well as the difficulties faced by individuals who update and maintain such projects.
The Prospects for XHTML
Although XHTML might not be at the forefront of web development anymore, its legacy lives on. We'll get a sneak peek at what this once-revolutionary markup language's future might entail.
IX. Recommended Techniques for Web Designers:
Using the knowledge gained from the history of XHTML, we'll provide useful guidan
HTML5 & mlearning - The Rapid Interactivity ApproachPoonam Jaypuriya
HTML5 and mobile learning are coming of age rapidly. This white paper describes how rapid interactivity approach pioneered by Raptivity applies to HTML5 technology and m-Learning.
HTML5 and mLearning- The Rapid Interactivity ApproachRaptivity
HTML5 and mobile learning are coming of age rapidly. This white paper describes how rapid interactivity approach pioneered by Raptivity applies to HTML5 technology and m-Learning.
Html5 and mLearning: The rapid interactivity approachRicha Bakshi
HTML5 and mobile learning are coming of age rapidly. This white paper describes how rapid interactivity approach pioneered by Raptivity applies to HTML5 technology and m-Learning.
HTML5 & mLearning - The Rapid Interactivity ApproachPoonam Jaypuriya
HTML5 and mobile learning are coming of age rapidly. This white paper describes how rapid interactivity approach pioneered by Raptivity applies to HTML5 technology and m-Learning.
Css Founder is Website Designing Company in Delhi & Website Development Company in Delhi, working with the mission of Website For Everyone. we are also working in Website Designing company in Delhi, India , Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Noida.
Introduction to HTML5/CSS3 In Drupal 7Mediacurrent
HTML5 is here and it has many improvements over its predecessors, offering a full range of new features previously unavailable without complex JavaScript coding. Now it is possible to offer intuitive rich user interfaces using baked-in techniques and supported by more and more modern browsers.
If you have ever wondered about the next emerging technology on the web or need a quick crash course in HTML5 and CSS3 this program is right for you. We will answer the following questions:
What is HTML5?
How does HTML 4.01/ XHTML 1.0 compare with the new HTML5?
What are the new HTML5 structural elements?
What do you need to do to build a Drupal 7 theme in HTML5?
What is CSS3?
What are the new CSS3 properties and techniques?
What CSS3 techniques should be used in Drupal?
What are some advanced CSS3 techniques?
About our speaker: Dante Taylor, Creative Director at Mediacurrent. Dante has his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Savannah College of Art and Design, and has worked as a designer for over ten years, starting with the version 4.7 release.
Migrating to HTML5, Migrating Silverlight to HTML5, Migration Applications t...Idexcel Technologies
HTML5 Migration: HTML5 provides developers with powerful, cross-platforms tools for their mobile and web applications, and they get a powerful alternative to the age-old proprietary tools. As it is an open standard, companies can improve its functionality and feature-set as per their requirements.
Owing to its new and powerful features for both developers and end-users, it is already used to code websites around the world.HTML5 is enabled by all-new modern desktops and mobile browsers, or for mobile app web development.
HTML5 Development Benefits, Features and Cost For 2024.pdfJPLoft Solutions
There is a tremendous demand for mobile application development services. The use of smartphones for the Internet is increasing. When it comes time to develop an app for mobile, there are two choices. - HTML5 or Native Platform. Which platform best fits your app's idea is a significant issue and has been extensively debated across development communities.
Welcome to
XHTML Web Designs
The Evolution and Legacy of XHTML in Web Design
Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML) continues to be a significant turning point in the development of the World Wide Web despite the dynamic nature of the field of web design and the cyclical nature of technologies and standards. The impact and guiding principles of XHTML still have an impact on contemporary web design techniques even though its prime was in the early 2000s. We will go into the realm of XHTML web design in this extensive 2000 word post, examining its background, importance, and lasting legacy.
XHTML Understanding
Recognizing XHTML
It's critical to begin with a fundamental comprehension of what XHTML is and why it matters in order to fully appreciate its significance. The advantages of XML (Extensible Markup Language) and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) are combined in XHTML. It was established in 2000 to take the place of HTML with the intention of bringing a more rigid, structured method of web building.
The Switch from HTML to XHTML
The change from HTML to XHTML signified a fundamental shift in how web designers and developers handled their profession. It was not only about semantics and syntax. XHTML emphasized well-structured, well-formed documents and set the stage for future web standards compliance.
Important XHTML Features
Web Accessibility and XHTML: One of XHTML's distinguishing features was how strongly it stressed XHTML Web Designs web accessibility. This section will go through how XHTML was essential in enhancing the accessibility and user-friendliness of the web.
The Influence of XHTML on Modern Web Design XHTML itself has grown rather dated, but its guiding principles and philosophy still influence contemporary web design. We'll look at how ideas like separating content from presentation, using CSS, and adhering to web standards are still applicable today.
In its time, XHTML brought a number of significant features and advancements that set it apart as a preferred option for online design. To see why these features were important, we will examine some of them, including case sensitivity, self-closing tags, and document structure.
The HTML5 Transition
The dominance of XHTML as the primary web markup language was very brief; in the late 2000s, HTML5 took its place. We'll talk about the causes of this change and how it affected the field of web design.
Use of XHTML in Modern Web Projects
Surprisingly, XHTML is still used in some legacy systems and web projects. We'll look into the causes of this tenacity as well as the difficulties faced by individuals who update and maintain such projects.
The Prospects for XHTML
Although XHTML might not be at the forefront of web development anymore, its legacy lives on. We'll get a sneak peek at what this once-revolutionary markup language's future might entail.
IX. Recommended Techniques for Web Designers:
Using the knowledge gained from the history of XHTML, we'll provide useful guidan
HTML5 & mlearning - The Rapid Interactivity ApproachPoonam Jaypuriya
HTML5 and mobile learning are coming of age rapidly. This white paper describes how rapid interactivity approach pioneered by Raptivity applies to HTML5 technology and m-Learning.
HTML5 and mLearning- The Rapid Interactivity ApproachRaptivity
HTML5 and mobile learning are coming of age rapidly. This white paper describes how rapid interactivity approach pioneered by Raptivity applies to HTML5 technology and m-Learning.
Html5 and mLearning: The rapid interactivity approachRicha Bakshi
HTML5 and mobile learning are coming of age rapidly. This white paper describes how rapid interactivity approach pioneered by Raptivity applies to HTML5 technology and m-Learning.
HTML5 & mLearning - The Rapid Interactivity ApproachPoonam Jaypuriya
HTML5 and mobile learning are coming of age rapidly. This white paper describes how rapid interactivity approach pioneered by Raptivity applies to HTML5 technology and m-Learning.
Css Founder is Website Designing Company in Delhi & Website Development Company in Delhi, working with the mission of Website For Everyone. we are also working in Website Designing company in Delhi, India , Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Noida.
Introduction to HTML5/CSS3 In Drupal 7Mediacurrent
HTML5 is here and it has many improvements over its predecessors, offering a full range of new features previously unavailable without complex JavaScript coding. Now it is possible to offer intuitive rich user interfaces using baked-in techniques and supported by more and more modern browsers.
If you have ever wondered about the next emerging technology on the web or need a quick crash course in HTML5 and CSS3 this program is right for you. We will answer the following questions:
What is HTML5?
How does HTML 4.01/ XHTML 1.0 compare with the new HTML5?
What are the new HTML5 structural elements?
What do you need to do to build a Drupal 7 theme in HTML5?
What is CSS3?
What are the new CSS3 properties and techniques?
What CSS3 techniques should be used in Drupal?
What are some advanced CSS3 techniques?
About our speaker: Dante Taylor, Creative Director at Mediacurrent. Dante has his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Savannah College of Art and Design, and has worked as a designer for over ten years, starting with the version 4.7 release.
1. HTML5 and the Future of Technical
Documentation
By: Jessica Morley
May 2015
2. HTML5 and the Future of Technical Documentation
2
Introduction: A Crossroad in History
Introduction: A Crossroad in History
echnical writing is at a crossroad in history. Gone are
the days when people read technical documentation
from print in manuals, books, inserts, or pamphlets.
Likewise, the practice of reading documentation from a
CD Rom or desktop software application is quickly becoming a thing
of the past. Today, if people want technical information, they go
straight to their browsers to find what they are looking for.
With the advent of handheld smart phones, laptops, and tablets,
teamed with the ubiquity of reliable internet connection
everywhere, people demand versatile, responsive, and accessible
documentation that can meet their information needs. HTML5, the
new HTML standard officially recommended in October 2014, is the
World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C’s) answer to this new age of
high-speed on-demand information, and technical writers are
beginning to take notice. However, the question remains: should
technical writers adapt to this new wave of technology, and if so, to
what extent will HTML5 impact the user experience and the
technical writing process?
There are a growing number of technical
writers just shy of entirely enthusiastic for this
brave new world of technology. Peter Lubbers,
an experienced technical writer, published
author, and current Senior Program Manager
at Google, is one such individual who may tip
the scale on the enthusiasm spectrum. In his
webcast, HTML5 and its impact on technical
communication, Lubber explains that just as
DITA has made “quite a splash” in the world of
technical communication, HTML5 promises the
same kind of profound impact.
This is not to say that HTML5 and DITA will
become competitors; on the contrary, Lubber
predicts that technical writers will continue to
author in DITA, but HTML5 will replace XHTML
output that many writers have grown attached
to. While the transition to HTML5 may present a
learning curve for technical writers already set
in their ways, the benefits just might outweigh
the burden.
T “Where the
previous generation
looked to books for
their answers, this
and future
generations are
looking to the
internet.”
–Joshua Honomichl,
Senior Tech Writer at
Thermo Fischer
Scientific
FIGURE 1: Since 2014 the world has passed the mobile
tipping point as more people use mobile devices than
desktop computers.
Source: Morgan Stanly Research
3. HTML5 and the Future of Technical Documentation
3
Why HTML5 Matters to Technical
Why HTML5 Matters to Technical Writers
Joshua Honomichl, a Senior Technical Writer at the biotechnology
product development company, Thermo Fisher Scientific,
understands that the needs of his customers are changing rapidly.
As a long-standing web deployment advocate, Honomichl is one of
the key people on a committee responsible for the next stage in
document evolution.
As it stands, Honomichl is in the early phases of deploying SuiteHelp,
a popular web help framework that works with his content
management system to deliver online help using HTML5 output. Like
many technical writers, he is excited about the potential HTML5 will
bring to his company, believing it has the power to optimize user
functionality and “leverage content in ways you could not possibly
imagine.”
Accessibility and Responsive Design
One of the biggest ways HTML5 leverages content is by utilizing
adaptable, responsive design for customers who need on-the-fly
technical documentation. Vikram Verna, Product Manager at Microsoft and former Product Manager
at RoboHelp, points out that while customers have been able to access help on their mobile devices for
some time, without HTML5 support, the end-user
experience is often “extremely poor.” Conversely, by
outputting with HTML5, technical writers can offer
navigation, sizing, amount of content, and other
features that automatically adapt on any device or
operating system, making documentation useable,
no matter what the circumstance (Samuels).
As statistics prove that people now use mobile
devices even more than desktop computers, HTML5
technology may be the key to improving the modern
user experience. Peter Lubbers, in his comprehensive
book, Pro HTML5 Programming, argues that HTML5’s
innately responsive design demonstrates the new
standard’s commitment to universal access by means
of accessibility, media independence, and
localization support for all world languages.
One key example of localization support is HTML5’s
new “translate” attribute. “Translate” lets content
writers manage specific words directly in the code,
enabling a more flexible and accurate localization
FIGURE 2: The right image shows a table of contents that
HTML5 has optimized for a desktop screen, while the left
image shows a smart phone display optimized for touch.
Source: http://iconlogic.blogs.com/weblog/help-systems/
“Imagine the level
of customer
satisfaction that you
can achieve by
offering the content
on the device which
is carried all the
time.”
– Vikram Verna
Product Manager at
Microsoft
4. HTML5 and the Future of Technical Documentation
4
Why HTML5 Matters to Technical
outcome for multi-language compatibility. To demonstrate this point, picture a user manual for a new
line of Thermo Fisher water purifiers, which tells the user to click the “RESET” button on the control panel.
When translating the user manual, terms referring to the machine’s physical labels should stay in English.
By using “translate = no,” HTML5 output will instruct automated translation engines and workbench
translation tools to lock the indicated text of that element in place, effectively disabling translation for
the selected word. Translate is just one feature out of many that demonstrate HTML5’s great potential in
dynamic, accessible technical communication.
.
Semantic Elements
Technical writers who appreciate XHTML and DITA for
their semantic nature will welcome HTML5’s inherently
semantic coding environment. HTML5 adds a number
of new semantic tags that give a better definition to
the various elements that form the structure of a
webpage. In turn, these semantic elements clearly
define content, making data more searchable through
search engines, and consequently more accessible to
users.
Not only do these semantic elements replace abstract
and obscure tags, they also work to simplify the writing
process by reducing supurflous code. One key
example (out of many) is HTML5’s new doctype
declaration. The doctype declaration is the first piece
of code in every HTML document, and it instructs the
web brower on what kind of version of HTML the document is
written in. The markup example in Figure 5 demonstrates the
difference between the combersome doctype declartion of
XHTML and HTML5’s simple and easy-to-remember doctype
declaration.
Before Translation:
<p>Click the <span class="panelmsg"
translate="no">RESET</span> button</p>
After Translation:
<p> klicken Sie auf die <span class="panelmsg"
translate="no">RESET</span> schaltfläche </p>
FIGURE 3: HTML5’s translation feature supports versitle
technical documentation.
FIGURE 4: Example webpage layout with
semantic HTML5 elements. Each tag gives
clear and simple meaning to the code.
5. HTML5 and the Future of Technical Documentation
5
Why HTML5 Matters to Technical
Lastly, semantic elements can help build dynamic technical
documentation. Honomichl is particularly excited about the
leveraging potential in the new semantic tag <article>, which
works to define self contained, independent content within a
webpage. He argues that by embedding subtopics within topics
using <article>, he can easily integrate promotional writing with
technical documentation.
Interactivity
HTML5 promises to give technical documentation a new life with
engaging, interactive features. With HTML5, technical
documentation can easily incorporate dynamic images, audio,
video, graphing calculators, geolocation, or drawing tools, which
the end user can interact with directly in the browser. Technical
writers are particularly interested in using scalable vector graphics
(SVGs) combined with HTML5 to create compelling infographics
for the increasingly visually literate end-user.
Unlike rastar image formats, such as screen shots or purpose drawn
technical illustrations, SVG is a high resolution format for illustrations
that can create texts, shapes, embedded images, animation, and
hyperlinked infographics (hypergraphics). Users can engage with
<article>
<h1> What is Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Mission?
</h1>
<p> Our mission is to enable customers to make the
world healthier, cleaner, and safer. </p>
</article>
XHTML:
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN"
"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd">
HTML5:
<!DOCTYPE html>
FIGURE 5: The simplifying powers of HTML5 makes life easier.
FIGURE 6: <article> allows technical writers to create dynamic documentation.
“The HTML5
Mantra? ‘Simple is
better. Simplify
whenever possible.’”
– Peter Lubbers
“With HTML5,
users log on to the
website, enjoy the
interactions, scroll
down and then enjoy
it even more.’”
– Vivek Ramen,
contributing author at
TheServerSide.com
6. HTML5 and the Future of Technical Documentation
6
Why HTML5 Matters to Technical
hypergraphics at their most simplified level by clicking on icons that work as visual points of entry into
web documenatation. At the other end of the spectrum, and with a little help from CSS and Javascript,
hypergraphics can resemble a product, service, or software, wherein users can intuitively touch
individual components of an object to get more information about specific features.
HTML5 embedded SVG support is not only inherently
interactive, it is also incredibly versatile, creating
multifunctional potential in technical documentation.
Honomichl described a use case scenario in which he wanted
to create a multipurpose illustration for a chemical solvent
product. In this scenario, he also wanted to use this illusration
for different technical documents, but some aspects of the
illustration were not necessary in particular contexts. By
embedding SVGs directly into the HTML5, he could easily
remove particular graphical components to the illustrastion
that do not apply to his content and keep any reqiured
regulatory warning images in place without having to recreate
an entire image.
“Being accessible,
compatible with current
web standards, and able
to be produced with
lightweight desktop
software, SVG is an
attractive proposition for
small documentation
teams needing to develop
value-added products for
mobile platforms.”
– David Garner, SVG Summit
2014
FIGURE 7: Unlike raster images, SVGs easily transform to any size
without losing visual integrity.
OTHER HTML5 INTERACTIVE FEATURES:
<canvas> uses scripting to manipulate pixels
<audio> audio without plugins
<video> video without plugins (no more Flash!)
HTML Geolocation browser embedded
geographical positioning
FIGURE 8: HTML5 interactive features offer end-
users a variety of ways to engage with and learn
from technical documentation.
7. HTML5 and the Future of Technical Documentation
7
Limitations and Learning Curves
Limitations and Learning Curves
HTML5 asserts a lofty promise for a better, brighter technical
documentation experience, but is it simply bells and whistles amidst the
deafening noise of an inundated web of technologies? As it stands, the
tech industry is still debating on whether HTML5 has the power to please a
diverse array of businesses with ever-changing and highly specialized
needs. Between sexy device optimizing alternatives and the inevitable
cost and time constraints that come with learning new technologies, the
path to sustainable change via HTML5 may be long, arduous, and
potentially impractical.
HTML5 Lacks in Specialization
In the article Trends in technical communication, 2014 edition, by Sarah
O’Keefe, it may appear that native applications are “winning over HTML5”
because they are built and optimized for specific platforms or devices. Not only do native applications
take advantage of the latest operating system technologies, they also offer more offline accessibility, a
cleaner user interface system, and faster processing speeds.
In addition, O’Keefe points out that end-users attuned to the bring your own device (BYOD) trend go to
native applications first for technical support or field services, and consequently businesses are choosing
to build native applications for their content (O’Keefe). For instance, if the technical documentation of
a company is primarily for its employees, the chances are high that these employees will be using a
company-issued device, such as a tablet. As a result, it makes sense for the company to build a native
application on a single operating system (O’Keefe).
“HTML5 is a step
in the right
direction, but
doesn’t go as far as
you need.”
– Joshua Honomichl
HTML5
VS.
NATIVE
Native Apps
Tailored for specific
mobile devices
means more
specialization
Faster processing
speeds
Better offline
accessibility
HTML5 Web Apps
Runs on any mobile
device via browser
Cheaper (only
write once for all
devices)
Search engine
friendly
FIGURE 9: The benefits of native
applications may outway the benefits of
HTML5 web applications, depending on
business and end-user needs.
8. HTML5 and the Future of Technical Documentation
8
Limitations and Learning Curves
Aside from the native versus HTML5 web application debate, many businesses may be choosing to work
with web content management systems (CMSs) and all the easy-to-use plugins involved because the
architecture of documentation written in a CMS often entails tags that are exclusive to that specific
system. Honomichl is keenly aware of the shortcomings HTML5 presents, explaining that in a web
environment it’s important to create specialized tags and data chunks that are exclusive to the
company, allowing them to format against public databases. Moreover, while HTML5 offers general
solutions by casting a wide net over the World Wide Web, it simply “can’t make everyone happy”
because people will want to hang onto their core group of elements (Honomichl).
HTML5 is Harder
While new semantic elements make it easier than ever for technical
writers to learn HTML, learning a new markup language may be a
time intensive investment. Many avoid HTML5 simply because it’s a lot
easier to implement CMS plugins than to invest the time into learning
HTML5 code to create cross platform harmony and develop HTML5
interactive features. Not to mention, to take full advantage of
HTML5’s interactive APIs such as drag-and-drop, Canvas,
Geolocation and more, technical writers will need to have a basic
understanding of JavaScript, which adds another potential layer of
skill requirements a technical writer must acquire (Samuels).
Many technical writers may also be attached to writing in document-
centric XHTML and therefor begrudge a transition to HTML5; however,
experts are now recommending a switch from XHTML to HTML5.
According to Peter Lubbers, “over 90% of XHTML is completely
broken.” Consequently, converters, like the DITA Open Tool Kit, that
generate XHTML output cannot open in Internet Explorer without
elaborate workarounds (Lubbers). Fortunately, HTML5 embraces
semantic style syntax and is also backwards compatible with XHTML
and older version of HTML. This means if technical writers are stuck in
their XHTML ways, HTML5 will be forgivingly accommodating.
HTML 3.2
XHTML 1.0
HTML 4.0
XHTML 1.1
HTML5
“To use the really
cool features, there’s
no way around it—
you need at least a
rudimentary
understand of
JavaScript.”
– Jacquie Samuels,
owner of Writing Wise.
FIGURE 10: HTML5 is backwards
compatible so that previous (X)HTML
pages can migrate to HTML5 more easily.
9. HTML5 and the Future of Technical Documentation
9
Conclusion
Conclusion:
With the recent Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Open
Internet ruling that broadband internet services are a public utility, there
has never been a more important time for technical writers to consider
what skills will support their ability to communicate in an age where the
internet is more ubiquitous than ever. Invariably, technical writers must
cultivate the skills and practices that will support the most versatile,
interactive, and accessible technologies the internet will support.
The first thing technical writers may need to consider is the cost of
implementing a web technology. While training technical writers in
HTML5 practices may be an expensive initial cost, a long-term
evaluation could prove that writing documentation in HTML5 is quicker
and easier than XHTML or older HTML standards, which could save
businesses significant labor costs overtime. In addition, although it may
make sense to use CMS plugins to support immediate documentation
needs, in the long run these CMS plugins may become outdated (such
as the Adobe Flash plugin), resulting in higher costs and time spent
building and maintaining information systems.
When considering responsive design and user experience, native
applications are probably the most significant counter argument to
HTML5 web applications, and it will be important for technical writers to
make a comprehensive analysis on what output modality will better
support their specific end-user and business needs. Nevertheless, if
technical writers want the largest possible audience to access their
documentation and still maintain quality user experiences, HTML5’s
innovative localization support, interactive features, and cross-platform
efficacy should make for a well-rounded and dependable candidate.
The W3C’s popular catch phrase “I’ve seen the future, and it’s in my browser,” makes a succinct
statement about the projection of a communication culture committed to the expansive connectivity
of the web. They stand by the new HTML5 standard as the catchall answer to better online functionality,
and it’s time for technical writers to log on and upload with the same level of innovative determination
in mind.
“So many things
pull in the direction
of HTML5 and
resisting it now
would be missing
the opportunity to
create great websites
that are capable of
mesmerizing the
visitors.”
– Vivek Ramen
10. HTML5 and the Future of Technical Documentation
10
Works Cited
Gardiner, David. "Picture This: Scalable Vector Graphics for Visual Documentation." STC Summit 2014.
Society for Technical Writing, 2014. Web. 15 May 2015.
Honomichl, Joshua. Personal Interview. 2 March 2015.
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Lubbers, Peter. HTML5 and Its Impact on Technical Communication. ScriptoriumTech, 2012. Webcast. 31
March 30, 2015.
"Trends in Technical Communication, 2014 Edition - Scriptorium Publishing." Scriptorium Publishing. 21
Jan. 2014. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. <http://www.scriptorium.com/2014/01/trends-in-technical-
communication-2014-edition/>.
Ramen, Vivek. "10 Reasons Why HTML5 Implementation Should Happen Now." 10 Reasons Why HTML5
Implementation Should Happen Now. The Server Side, 8 Jan. 2015. Web. 30 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.theserverside.com/feature/10-reasons-why-HTML5-implementation-should-happen-now>.
Samuels, Jacquie. "Using HTML5: Do I Really Have To? | TechWhirl." TechWhirl. Tech Writer Today
Magazine, 24 July 2013. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. <http://techwhirl.com/using-html5-do-i-really-have-to/>.
Verna, Vikram. "TechComm Central by Adobe." TechComm Central by Adobe RSS. Adobe, 18 Jan.
2013. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. <http://blogs.adobe.com/techcomm/2013/01/html5-publishing-series-post-1-
why-you-should-publish-content-in-html5.html>.
Wilcox, Mark, and Christina Voskoglou. “State of the Developer Nation Q3 2014.” London: Vision Mobile,
2014. Print.