Technical documentation provides some nifty tools to help the audience gain new capabilities. Two of these tools are user guides and tutorials. At first glance, they may seem similar. The following table compares and contrasts them for better understanding and implementation.
| Aspect | User Guide | Tutorial |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Comprehensive instructions on all features and functions of a product. | Step-by-step guide to complete specific tasks. |
| Audience | Users of all levels, often needing specific details or troubleshooting help. | Beginners or users new to a feature, learning by doing. |
| Structure | Organized by topics or features, allowing for reference use. | Linear, task-based structure, guiding users step-by-step. |
| Detail Level | Exhaustive, covering all aspects of the product. | Focused on essentials for specific tasks. |
| Approach | Reference-oriented; users can jump between sections. | Learning-oriented; users follow a progressive path. |
| Examples | A manual for a smartphone with detailed feature explanations. | A guide for setting up email or using an app for the first time. |
Both user guides and tutorials are vital in technical documentation, serving different needs and user types. While user guides are comprehensive and reference-driven, tutorials offer task-based learning to help users acquire new capabilities. Implementing both ensures well-rounded support for users at various stages of their journey.
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