Halo 3, XBox and Technical Communication? (Part 3)
In order to keep the train of thought, I’m repurposing some of my previous blog entry… Just to stay on track, we’re still focusing on the Documentation side of gaming and the Xbox example.
Check out this screenshot from the XBox 360’s Media Center (well, any Media Center has this) and notice that they break things down into four sections, Help | Forums | Tips | Hardware Center. There’s a lot of content within these sections… not all of it from a single source and not all of it from a single company.
Consumer Electronics Support Challenges to Technical Communication
Without XML or other similar technology designed for repurposing the content, this will be an update nightmare. Most important, with so much blending between hardware, software, users, tech support, engineering and marketing, keeping the channels of communication open between departments simply cannot be limited to email and screenshots.There has to be a transparent workflow or cycles take far too much time to be cost effective.
People, we’re talking about saving real money here. A workflow must be organized, efficient, and structured. That is the true pain that people are feeling within organizations, particularly Consumer Electronics.
All of that content must be updated or it becomes irrelevant. Then the support phone calls start coming in and everyone starts spending money to support their product.
What software plays well with gaming / Consumer Electronics Fusion?
The question I have is – what software provides the best method to integrate this content?
With the feedback server and the XML framework of Flare, I would have to say the advantage goes to MadCap Software beyond all the other competitors, including Adobe RoboHelp and Quadralay’s option.Blending Web 2.0 elements and reporting is critical within the consumer electronics world.
XML / DITA / Wrangling Content
Repurposing content and integrating a smooth workflow seems to be more of the focus of MadCap Software than simply a head-to-head comparison with RoboHelp.
In the specific gaming industry study I’m looking at now, the XML framework is critical to keeping content ‘wrangled’. I’m also hearing quite a bit about how Blaze, MadCap’s new product offering, is going to measure up.
From MadCap Software’s Blaze site:
XML Foundation. MadCap Blaze features a unique patent-pending visual XML editor, fully driven by schemas and cascading style sheets (CSS). However, no knowledge of XML is required in order to use Blaze.
Blaze has the potential as described by MadCap to become a market leader within the Consumer Electronics fusion space.
MadCap Software is integrating Disruptive Technology directly within it, and it will work with their existing products.
Posted by Charles in Gaming, Software, Tech Writing | Comment now »
