Michaels & Associates can help you with all your documentation needs, including online help, user
guides, policies and procedures manuals, or whatever you have in mind.
Development
You want to achieve organizational goals by delivering effective documentation solutions, but where do you start?
Michaels & Associates can help with a proven methodology that gets results. After we help you assess your current
situation with a thorough needs analysis, we develop customized content to meet those needs. During the Development
stage, we create your documentation in chunks. This process ensures that our development aligns with your vision,
eliminating bottlenecks and rework that might add to development costs.
Learn More >>
Development Process and Deliverables
During the Design and Development stages, Michaels & Associates creates your documentation based on our previous
discussions with you. Although we always customize the process to meet the needs of your specific project,
deliverables during this stage might include:
- Findings Report:
During our first meetings with you, we spend time analyzing your current situation and determining exactly what your
end users need from the proposed documentation. We listen carefully, ask lots of questions, take copious notes, and
then deliver a findings report that includes recommendations and suggested solutions for your unique project. This
report usually includes some samples for you to consider, a proposed outline, and an estimated timeline.
- Prototype:
Next, our consultants design the documentation model. The prototype is a detailed model and includes page/screen
layouts, color and graphics, and some content. This working version of your end product allows you to see firsthand
how users will interact with the different documentation elements.
- First or Alpha Draft:
Michaels & Associates likes to deliver drafts to you in small, digestible "chunks" so your reviewers don't get too
overwhelmed and can really concentrate on the content. The alpha draft usually includes several individual pieces
of your project, fully documented. We don't dive too deep into development until we get your input and approval on
the first version, so we ensure that we have clearly reflected your ideas and information.
- Subsequent Alpha Drafts:
After the initial first draft chunk to establish "look and feel," audience and tone, we develop content for the
remaining elements. Michaels & Associates may deliver subsequent alpha drafts for your review to ensure we have
"nailed" the content. Typically, there is only one alpha draft, and we promise to keep you in the development
loop, so you have several opportunities for feedback.
- Second or Beta Draft:
The beta draft includes the content from the alpha drafts, with your edits applied. It contains all the
functionality from the findings report and prototype, so you can try it before you release it.
- Final Release:
The final release is the completed documentation. It contains all content and agreed-on changes from the beta
release review. At this point, we work with you to coordinate delivery to the appropriate people within your
organization.
The Direct Performance Path
The Michaels & Associates has developed the Direct Performance Path as a
unique approach to project development that enables success AND helps avoid
costly rework later. To learn more
Click here >>
Still don't see what you need? Let us know what you want, and we can customize a documentation solution that fits your team. Contact us for more information, or jot us a quick note below.
