Making the most of interactivity online

Technical communicators need to foster useful online interaction to help users understand the scope, purpose, and limits of the online documents we create. Ideally, a well-designed online document provides a total integrated data environment. It functions as the interface between the user and a system, allowing for the retrieval and integration of supporting data as needed to perform a task. Online information can be presented in a variety of ways, including online help systems, computer-based training (CBT) programs, and interactive electronic technical manuals (IETM). The benefits of an effective online information system include the elimination of paper bulk and storage, improved document usability through interactivity and the use of the document as a learning, training, and research aid.