The words we choose can cause a concept to be embraced or scorned. There’s inevitably a look that appears in clients eyes when I bring up the topic of creating documentation for day-to-day tasks. I hear comments that range from, “It’s a waste of time” to “I (or my employees) know what to do, it’s […]
Notebook
The Small Tasks
When the world, especially the world of my small business, feels overwhelmed by chaos I choose to focus small. It’s not a narrowing focus to the exclusion of the big picture. It’s a reminder that if I plan and work on a small task it proves there is one little thing I can control. This […]
Book Review Roundup: Accessibility, Usability, and Experience
I read voraciously on a wide range of topics. I like to search out books that help me enhance my knowledge, as well as titles that are useful for my clients. Over the past few months, I’ve focused on accessibility, usability, and experience. I’ve looked to gain a better understanding as to the definition of […]
Formatting Your Documentation, 4 Factors to Keep in Mind
Your business documentation will change and evolve over time. How you create and interact with it will as well. Choices you make today about how you write, format, and store your information will impact its future. Here are four things to keep in mind as you begin to think strategically about your documentation. 1. Multiple […]
Exploring 3 Aspects of a Good Link
Links are what make the web what it is. This humble connector of pages within a site and to the vast internet beyond have completely changed the world as we once knew it. They are simple to create and yet it is challenging to make a good link. Why & What makes a good link? […]
Seeing Task & Project Progress
For years I’ve scheduled regular planning sessions and each project received detailed next actions. This allows me to identify the work that needs to be done and think about the required tasks. My challenge, however, was to find a way to view them so I could acknowledge project progress and work with my to-do list. […]
When to Write Documentation?
When is the best time to write business documentation? Before you need it. I find it easiest to write when I’m working on the process, aka “As You Go”. Why? This habit was ingrained back when I was teaching programming. A well commented computer program happens as you code! Comments and change logs are essential […]
5 Quick Tips for your Disaster Preparedness Plan
This weekend, Tropical Storm Fay brings heavy rains, high winds, and potential tornadoes to the Mid-Atlantic Region while simultaneously the COVID-19 pandemic infection rates are not controlled across the United States. But wait, there’s more! According to the NOAA Weather Prediction Center, there is “enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms moving across the northern Plains today” […]
some thoughts on inclusive design
From time to time I’ve brought up the topic of accessibility — for example how a well designed webpage will be more accessible to humans and easier to search by computers. Several recent events have nudged this topic from one I merely mention to clients as something to think about to one I am actively […]
Review your Disaster Preparedness Plan: 3 Steps to Start
It’s hurricane season, wild fire season, and ongoing social justice reform & pandemic season. For years I’ve recommended reviewing your disaster preparedness plan at regular intervals. With everything that’s happening this year and new procedures in place as business begin to reopen, it’s a very good time to do this! First, if you’re curious about […]