When pictures help.
WHEN AN IMAGE HELPS
Locating something in an interface Showing what the correct result looks like Illustrating physical assembly or connection Showing relationships a description cannot convey
WHEN IT DOES NOT
Illustrating what the text already states clearly Decorating the document
WHY UNNECESSARY IMAGES HARM
They must be maintained, and they date faster than text.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE ADDING ANY
Whether it does something the words cannot.
WHAT MAKES A USEFUL SCREENSHOT
It shows only the relevant area The relevant element is marked It is legible at the size it will be viewed
WHY CROPPING MATTERS
Full-screen images at reduced size are unreadable.
WHAT TO MARK
The specific element the reader must find.
WHAT TO AVOID IN SCREENSHOTS
Personal or customer data Internal information Anything identifying a specific account
WHY
They are published and they persist.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That screenshots use sample data.
WHAT PHOTOGRAPHS SUIT
Physical equipment, connections and results.
WHY THEY MATTER FOR PHYSICAL WORK
They remove ambiguity that words cannot.
WHAT MAKES A USEFUL PHOTOGRAPH
Adequate lighting The relevant part clearly visible Scale apparent The correct result shown
WHAT DIAGRAMS SUIT
Relationships, flows and structures.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT MAINTENANCE
That images are updated when the thing changes.
WHY IT IS A PROBLEM
Interfaces change frequently and images are forgotten.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Minimising images in areas that change often.
WHAT TO RECORD
Where images came from and how to recreate them.
