Chapter 3: Purpose, Characteristics, Advantages and Disadvantages

Chapter 3: Purpose, Characteristics, Advantages and Disadvantages

1. Wizards

   • Step by step instructions which a user follows to create a document or part of a document
     • Presented as a forms interface which asks questions of the user and the user responds with answers
   • Disadvantages
     • Documents looking similar
     • Generic wizard means housestyle is difficult to achieve
     • Wizards need to be developed if being used to adopt a house style
   • Advantages
     • Documents created quickly by answering questions
     • Users can experiments to try out difference end results
     • Novice user can create a complex document by following the instructions and answering questions

2. Macros

   • Sets of instructions that are performed in one go
   • Created by recording a set of actions, can be repeated any time by running the macro
   • Advantages
     • Repetitive tasks performed quickly
     • Complex tasks completed quickly by clicking a button
     • Enables software to be tailored to meet the needs of users
   • Disadvantages
     • Macros need to be created before used
     • Can easily go wrong if not created properly
     • If shortcut key used, difficult for user to remember the key

3. Templates

   • Pre-defined layout to be used for a document
     • Examples of templates within DTP software:
       • Postcards
       • Envelopes
       • Invitations
   • Characteristics
     • Organisation logo
     • Style of title
     • Signature
   • Advantages
     • Created quickly
     • House style established
     • All info included
   • Disadvantages
     • Originality lost
     • Not all requirements necessarily met
     • Need to be created in advance

4. Style Sheets

   • Defines the styles that must be used within a organisation
     • Including; font, colour, size etc
   • Advantages
     • House style can be achieved
     • Consistency established
     • Saves time
   • Disadvantages
     • Prevent creativity
     • Need to be set up and made available within all software applications
     • Not usually automatic, therefore still a reliance on users to select and use styles