Abstract
This study was conducted to compare performance on a sample application (training) definition task when an online or hardcopy document was used to complete the task. Performance measures, such as time to complete the task and reliance on help information, as well as user difficulties/errors, indicated that task performance was substantially poorer for subjects using the document online. The online groups performance on a second task, designed to measure how well they had learned the features of the product during the training task, also indicated a performance deficit compared to subjects who used the document in hardcopy format. Primary factors that seem to be involved in these results are the secondary tasks of window manipulation/interactions and navigational issues such as the use of hypertext. It is also suggested that the level of experience with a multi-task/windowing environment may have played a role in the obtained results. These findings have implications for the design of online information, particularly when this information must be used in conjunction with a software application product in a multi-task, multi-window environment such as OS/2. This study also points out the need for further research of the usability of online documentation, particularly when used in conjunction with other software applications.
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