20 - User-Centered Design

Source: http://www.docstoc.com

Memorandum documents are common throughout all workplaces, and can do a fantastic job of summing up workplace information for the end user.

The key behind this format is to break up content in easily digestible chunks. This allows the user to gather a general understanding of what is happening that requires their attention without hunting for the aspects that affect them in a large wall of text.

The key to design of a user-centered document is to draw attention to what the particular users of the document need to be aware of rather than creating general documents for the entire workplace (given that the workplace is large), or to indicate sections that each user can refer to rather than expecting them to sift through unnecessary information to locate the piece that affects them individually.

When focused on particular users, the creator can employ techniques of organization much easier, and draw attention to sections by utilizing color. Further, the general rhythm of text can be utilized to draw attention to critical aspects (using indentations and headings in the text) to convey key points in a glance. The overall goal of documents that are to be viewed by the entire workplace should be scan-ability; the user should not have to read the entire document to have a general idea of which key points are being conveyed.