1. INDEXING A good index combines intelligence with user language to create lookup terms The first task is to scope the pieces of information – a list of knowledge terms The criteria for keeping knowledge terms is whether they map to user tasks or a need to know in their language As the document is created, the terms help completeness and index entries as you go

2. Visualize the end at the start Create index topics along with the outline Topic headings are general – like a library catalogue Both knowledge topics and task types are valid Use the topics during drafts to organize information This improves information locating Then use the list to prompt index entries or edit the document

3. The goal is easy navigation Document structure either supports an index or it makes it hard The ideal principle for information organization is end user domains This groups knowledge and task information from big to small units in the same place according to topic/task loci

4. Index entries create a skeleton Sort of like pebbles on a path, index entries present an alphabetical catalogue of landmarks in a set of information The most important aspect of an index entry is that the user knows exactly what to expect To this end, the type of information prevents futile lookups: for example. Overview Task instructions Graphic

5. Unique entries reduce confusion The less analysis applied to an index, the more the entries are interchangeable. An entry refers to a piece of information, its context, information type, depth, etc. In general ten words are better than two For example: “PowerPoint templates, changing in progress, general overview, online help” is better than “templates, changing”

6. Testing indexes Include the index as a tool in all system testing If the tester/user cannot find the information to perform a task– the product has a problem Usability testing can focus on terms users expect, in order to edit the index for success

7. Editing indexes based on tests Capture the failed index searches in testing and what terms were sought Edit the topic headings and index entries to fix these lookup failures, and test again. Put infrequent lookups under topic heads, and make all hot topic lookups primary entries under the expected terms

8. Conclusions Indexes form an important part of designing, creating, and testing information Users search in a hurry for information to help them, and give up after 2 or three tries An index can point the way in harmony with user expectations or not Indexing is an interactive analysis and creative process throughout the entire documentation project