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Stop Plugging Up the Dam, and Help Build It Better! The Changing Role of Technical Communicators from Traditional Documentation Deliverables to Product Design
About the Event
About the Speaker
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Thursday, 10 January 2002

Topic: "Stop Plugging Up the Dam, and Help Build It Better! The Changing Role of Technical Communicators from Traditional Documentation Deliverables to Product Design"

About the Event

How many times have you said, "I wouldn't have to write 20 pages of documentation to explain this if the product was designed correctly in the first place!" Given our focus on user advocacy, the confluence of the Web and the desktop, and the changes—away from those with which we've historically been associated—in the tools we are using to develop information, we're in a prime position to become more involved in product design.

Andrea L. Ames will describe how she sees the future changing for many technical communicators—from traditional document deliverables, like help and manuals, to designing products to need less documentation from the start. She'll present her justification for technical communicators participating more fully in product design, and she'll tell you what you need to know to move into this exciting area.

This presentation is aimed at beginning to advanced technical communicators who are interested in the exciting possibilities of product design.

Speakers' Handouts and Presentations

Don't forget your business cards for networking and books for the book drive!

About the Speaker

Andrea L. Ames, M.S., is a technical communicator specializing in user-centered product interface and online information architecture and design, including audience analysis, information architecture and design, interaction design, usability, and user-centered design and development. She has more than 17 years of experience designing, developing, and producing usable technical and scientific information for products, software user interfaces, multimedia and online information systems, and print documentation. Andrea is the owner of Ucentrics, a consulting firm that specializes in user-centered information architecture and design, interaction design, and usability.

She is a member of the STC international board of directors; coordinator for two University of California Extension technical communication certificates; and a published author and freelance writer. She teaches at the university level and speaks internationally at professional conferences.

Schedule

6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Dinner and networking
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Program

Food

Light meal of sandwiches with meat and vegetarian fillings, chips, dessert, and beverages

Fees

STC members: $10
Administrative Council members: $5
Student members or nonmember students: $5
Program only: $5
Nonmembers: $20
Nonmember first timer — Print free admission coupon
Walk-ins (without advance reservation): $20