Perspective on Creating Clear Manuals and Guides ② Why Are Start Guides and Beginner Guides Needed Even When There Is a Product Manual?

1. Even with a product manual, first-time users get confused

Especially for those using the product for the first time, even if a product manual is provided, they may still feel confused.

・Where should I start?
・Where can I find the information I need?
・What should I learn first?
・I lack confidence in operating it
and so on

Product manuals contain various information necessary for using the product.

However, it is not uncommon for first-time users to want to start using the product immediately and be able to perform the necessary tasks.

When trying to understand all the information in the product manual, including information that will be needed in the future and special operation methods, users may find it difficult due to the large amount of information, or even if the necessary information is included, it may take time to find it.

One way to address such challenges is through materials that complement the product manual and the user, such as "Start Guides" or "Introductory Guides."

2. The roles of the product manual and the start guide are different

The information needed at the start of use and the information required to understand the entire product are not necessarily the same.
Many product manuals are "comprehensive documents explaining the entire product."
On the other hand, "Start Guides" or "Introductory Guides" are considered "materials that help users achieve their initial goals."

The "initial goal" mentioned here varies depending on the product and the user. It may refer to logging in and completing initial setup, or it may include a series of basic operations required first in actual work. Therefore, when creating a start guide, it is important to decide in advance "what the initial goal will be."

For example, the "product manual" and the "start guide" or "beginner's guide" differ in the information included, the order of presentation, and the way explanations are given.

It is not a matter of which is superior, but rather that their roles differ depending on the user and the usage situation.

3. Situations where the start guide is useful

In the following cases, materials such as a "Start Guide" or "Beginner's Guide," which focus specifically on the information needed to get started, can help reduce the burden on users, separate from the product manual.

・Want to guide new staff on how to get started
・Want to reduce inquiries immediately after implementation
・Want users to first learn the basic operations
・Want to guide only the functions necessary for the work

4. What should be included in a Start Guide?

The content included in a Start Guide varies depending on the product, but it often covers the following topics.

・Initial settings to be done (account registration, initial setup, etc.)
・Basic operations used in the very first session
・Common stumbling points
・Links to FAQs and contact information
・Guidance on the next documents to read

4-1. Common Points to Note When Creating a Start Guide

・Ends up being a condensed version of the product manual
・Packs in "information the creator wants to convey" instead of "the information needed first"
・Narrows down the information too much, making it unclear what to do next

5. Summary

Depending on the user's situation, materials such as a "Start Guide" or "Beginner's Guide" to support getting started may be helpful in addition to the product manual.

What is important is not simply increasing the number of materials, but organizing information according to the user and usage scenarios so that necessary information can be reached smoothly.

Start guides and introductory guides are materials that organize the information users need from a different perspective than product manuals. Therefore, when creating them, it is important to be aware of the goals users want to achieve first.

So far, we have discussed "what to create." Next time, we will consider the perspective of whether manuals are appropriate as a means to deliver information to users.

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