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FAQ

FAQ

General
Manual creation
outsourcing service
Writer/Director Dispatch and Residency
Manual Creation
In-house Support Services
Video Manual Creation
Manual Evaluation, Analysis, and
Improvement Proposal Service
Github
Seminars
One-Stop Translation
Service
Support for DITA Implementation
Services
QIs it possible to handle a manual with specialized content?
A

At Human Science, we have a wide range of production achievements, including product manuals and technical documents for the manufacturing industry, hardware/software manuals in the IT field, and technical manuals for telecommunications professionals.
In the field of business manuals, we have experience in creating manuals related to manufacturing, IT, retail/distribution, and insurance industries. We also handle the production of e-learning and training materials for internal education.

QI would like to have the meeting via a web conference, is that possible?
A

Yes, it is possible. Since 2020, we have been primarily conducting meetings with our clients via web conferences. In-person meetings are also possible, so please feel free to consult with us.

QIs it possible to dispatch writers and directors?
A

It is possible. We also handle many projects that are stationed at client sites.

QCan you handle not only paper and PDF manuals, but also web manuals, HTML-based help, and FAQs?
A

It is possible. Regarding production applications, we can support not only DTP software such as InDesign but also manual creation using Wiki, Confluence, GitHub, AsciiDoc, Markdown, etc. Please feel free to consult with us first.

QIs it possible to handle a manual with specialized content?
A

At Human Science, we have a wide range of production achievements, including product manuals and technical documents for the manufacturing industry, hardware/software manuals in the IT field, and technical manuals for telecommunications professionals.
In the field of business manuals, we have experience in creating manuals related to manufacturing, IT, retail/distribution, and insurance industries. We also produce e-learning and training materials for internal education.

Q This is a company outside of the Kanto region. Is it possible to visit?
A

Yes. We travel to Nagoya, Osaka, as well as Shikoku and Kyushu for proposals and meetings. During the project, we conduct meetings using telephone conferences and web conferencing systems.

QWhat are the costs and duration?
A

It varies greatly depending on the field, difficulty, and volume. We provide estimates starting from 1.8 million yen for a 100-page manual, with a production period of 1.5 months or more, but we will provide a detailed quote after discussing your needs.

QIs it possible to dispatch writers?
A

It is possible. We also handle many projects that are stationed at client sites.

QIs it possible to produce even if we are already using CMS or manual creation software?
A

It is possible. We can support not only widely used applications such as Wiki and Confluence, but also manual creation using GitHub, AsciiDoc, Markdown, and more. Please feel free to contact us first.

QWhat is the difference between a general dispatch writer and a worker provided by Human Science?
A

The manual production directors and writers that we dispatch are employees of Human Science. As specialists in manual production, they have been involved in numerous projects and have different skills and abilities. They do not impose any burden on your company, such as staff training or reviewing the manuals created dispatched staff.

QWhat type of contracts are offered?
A

Both dispatch contracts and subcontracting contracts are available.

QCan a dispatched employee commute to work 2-3 times a week instead of being stationed here every day?
A

Yes, they can. We also provide an option for on-site visits only when necessary, such as for information sharing.

QIs it possible for dispatch staff to handle not only the creation of Japanese manuals but also the coordination of translations?
A

Yes, it is. Human Science has successfully completed numerous projects involving the creation of English and multilingual documents after writing the Japanese version. We will introduce you to the most suitable staff with extensive experience.

QWhat is the hourly rate?
A

Rates will vary, because the skills and experience of our staff vary greatly. Please contact us for more information.

QCan we have a team stationed here instead of just one person?
A

Of course. After conducting a detailed project hearing, we will consider the optimal work structure and draw up a proposal.

QIs it possible to handle a manual with specialized content?
A

Human Science has a wide range of production achievements, including product manuals and technical documents for the manufacturing industry, hardware/software manuals in the IT field, and manuals for engineers in the telecommunications sector.
In the field of business manuals, we have experience in producing manuals related to manufacturing, IT, retail/distribution, and insurance industries. We also handle the production of e-learning and training materials for internal education.

Q This is a company outside of the Kanto region. Is it possible to visit?
A

Yes. We travel to Nagoya, Osaka, as well as Shikoku and Kyushu for proposals and meetings. During the project, we conduct meetings using telephone conferences and web conferencing systems.

QIs it possible to hold a seminar tailored to our company's curriculum?
A

It is possible. We will plan according to your challenges. After hearing the points you want to strengthen, we will design the seminar text and lecture content.

QWhat kind of support do you provide specifically?
A

We will conduct an investigation of the current manuals and materials, identify issues in the production system, and submit an analysis report. After that, we will implement seminars as needed, create manual production guidelines, and support the establishment of in-house production systems.

QWhat are the costs and duration?
A

It depends on the customer's issues and our proposed solutions. A simple analysis report costs around 100,000 yen. For a detailed analysis report showing examples of issue improvements and conducting a presentation, we provide guidance at 500,000 to 800,000 yen.

QIs it possible to provide in-house support for the internal manuals and quality improvement on a permanent basis?
A
QWhat should I prepare?
A

Please let me take a look at the available materials.
Any type of materials is fine, such as product manuals, specifications, technical documents, or internal training materials.
If there are no consolidated materials, our consultants will conduct interviews to understand the content. Please feel free to consult with us first.

QIs it possible to provide in-house support and proposals even if we are already using CMS or manual creation software?
A

It is possible. We can support not only widely used applications such as Wiki and Confluence, but also manual creation using GitHub, AsciiDoc, Markdown, and more. Please feel free to contact us first.

QWhat is the average production time?
A

The production period varies depending on the content and quality of the video you want to create, but for the entrusted plan, it typically takes 1 to 3 months, and for the editing plan, it takes an average of 10 business days or more.

QPlease let me know the cost.
A

Please consult with us for free first, as it varies depending on the content and quality of the video you want to create.
【Cost Estimate】
For a 3-minute instructional video for an app
Full-service plan: 200,000 yen (excluding tax) and up, Editing plan: 100,000 yen (excluding tax) and up

QThis is my first time creating a video. What kind of information should I provide?
A

Please consult with us for free first, as it varies depending on the video you want to create. Our experienced staff will listen to your needs and provide support without burdening you. For example, in the case of a video manual for operation instructions, we may ask you to prepare the current operation manual, the specifications under development, and a demo environment of the target system.

QCan I choose a narrator? Are there foreign language narrators available?
A

We will introduce professional narrators and voice actors that match the purpose of your video. If you are particular about sound quality, it is also possible to record in a studio. If you want to keep your budget down, we can also suggest AI-generated voices or home recording (simple recording using a narrator's home booth). For multilingual recordings in languages such as English and Chinese, we can not only assign native narrators but also suggest AI-generated voices.

QI want to be able to operate and maintain it in-house
A

We provide support for introducing editing tools that match your challenges and budget, creating prototype videos, and establishing guidelines for in-house production.
We will carefully support you so that you can continue mass production and operation.

QCan you only edit videos and recordings?
A

We will edit in a format suitable for your desired publication method, media, and device.
【Software Used (Examples)】
・Adobe Premiere Pro
・Adobe After Effects
・Adobe Captivate
・Wondershare Filmora
・TechSmith Camtasia・Apple Final Cut Pro

QCan you translate videos for overseas audiences or videos in Japanese?
A

Human Science has been providing translation services in a wide range of fields including software, manufacturing, IT, automotive, and distribution for over 25 years since 1994. We support more than 40 languages. You can trust us with your needs. For information on supported languages, please see here.

QCan it be used as educational content or to create interactive videos?
A

Our experienced digital learning specialists are available to assist you with registration for various LMS platforms and effective utilization support. Additionally, we can also produce interactive videos with scenario branching by tapping on the video. Here. For more information about our digital learning services, please click here.

QI have an old version of the manual, but I feel it is lacking. What should I do?
A

First, let us evaluate the old version of the manual. Our writers, with their extensive experience and know-how, will assess the strengths and weaknesses of the old version of the manual and report back to you. At that time, we will also propose specific improvements from the perspective of "how can it be made better?" Please feel free to consult with us.

QI have concerns not only with the Japanese manuals but also with the English manuals. Is it possible to address this?
A

It is possible.

QI feel there are challenges not only with the quality of the manuals but also with their management and operation. Is it possible to propose improvements for the management and operation of the manuals?
A

It is possible. After understanding your company's internal structure and situation, we will assist in unifying internal opinions and establishing operational rules.

QCan you also handle the evaluation and quality improvement of web manuals, HTML-based help, and FAQs, in addition to paper and PDF manuals?
A

It is possible. We offer suggestions for improvements in structure, design, usability, and content, as well as enhancements based on web page access data.

QWhat is the difference from a CMS?
A

The biggest difference and advantage is cost. When introducing a CMS for manual creation and management, it typically requires an investment of over 10 million yen. Creating manuals with GitHub and Markdown/Asciidoc can reduce the initial costs of the creation environment by leveraging open-source software. We estimate that a 50% reduction is possible.

QWhat editor do you use?
A

Atom (an open-source text editor developed by GitHub) and so on.

QIs it easy for anyone to use?
A

GitHub is utilized for managing software development, making it compatible for those involved in system development, including software engineers. It is recommended for software engineers who are also involved in development to write and edit documents such as manuals.

QWhat is the difference between free seminars and paid seminars?
A

The free seminar will cover general topics based on common challenges we hear from our clients regarding "manual creation." The paid seminar will be tailored to each client, focusing on specific issues. It is also possible to research and analyze the relevant manuals in advance and incorporate that into the curriculum.

QI have no experience in manual creation and do not understand specialized topics, but can I participate?
A

We encourage those without experience to participate. Not only beginners in manual production, but also many quality assurance and development personnel have joined us. We have received feedback that participants have grasped the tips for organizing documents, and it has been well received.

QIs it possible to receive individual comments and guidance from the instructor after the seminar?
A

Yes, it is possible. Upon request, we conduct effectiveness assessments for participants after the seminar and provide individual guidance along with evaluation sheets. We also offer a pre-seminar skill check service. By taking both the pre-seminar skill check and the post-seminar effectiveness assessment, participants can expect synergistic effects.

QWe would like to hold it in our company's conference room. We are based in Kansai, but do you accommodate business trips to distant locations?
A

Yes, we are responding. We also accept customizations based on the venue, the target audience, number of people, budget, duration, and more.

QAfter attending the seminar, we would like to make specific improvements to our manuals. Is it possible to receive support for this?
A

Yes, it is possible. Please take advantage of our optional manual evaluation service. We will report on the manual evaluation on a 5-point scale, including issues, improvement points, and suggestions for improvement. In our seminars, we offer lectures and exercises using your manuals as case studies. We will make proposals according to your requests, so please feel free to consult with us.

QPlease tell me the supported languages for translation.
A

The supported languages are as follows.

Japanese, English (US, UK, Australian), Chinese (Simplified, Traditional), Korean, Thai, Lao, Malay, Vietnamese, Burmese, Tagalog, Indonesian, Turkish, Hindi, Kazakh
Western European languages: French, Italian, German, Spanish, Iberian Portuguese, Dutch, Greek
Eastern European languages: Czech, Polish, Russian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Hungarian, Slovenian, Slovak, Estonian, Ukrainian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Belarusian, Georgian, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Armenian, Macedonian

In addition to translation, we also provide screen capture, display, and functionality check services in various language OS environments.

QIs it possible to consistently request coordination from manual creation to translation while being stationed?
A

It is possible. Our writers have extensive experience in translation projects. Please feel free to consult with us.

QWhat specific services do you offer?
A

We support our clients' DITA implementation through CMS implementation consulting, structured design, topic writing, translation, XML editing, translation, HTML, and implementation training and support.

QWhat are the benefits of DITA compliance?
A

In the case of traditional manual creation using InDesign or Word, a drawback was that the size of each file made the document reuse cycle long. With DITA, the units of information are smaller, allowing for a shorter reuse cycle, enabling efficient and low-cost document creation and management.

For those who want to know more about manual production and instruction manual creation

Tokyo Headquarters: +81 35-321-3111

Reception hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM JST

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