Orr's Aphorisms (6/30/2006)
by M. David Orr

• Documenting the 20 percent of tasks that people have to use 80 percent of the time is more effective with new users than documenting all the tasks.
• Communication of the product metaphor and the way of working through the system are critical.
• Documentation is only part of a solution that might include, user interface, training, job aids, online help, Web sites, RSS, blogs, compensation changes, culture changes, and policy changes.
• Different people have different learning styles. Good documentation and training accommodate different learning styles. Common learning styles: readers, listeners, writers, see-ers, doers, socializers

David Orr is an award-winning instructional designer with 23 years experience designing and developing technical training for Fortune 1000 companies.