December 07, 2010, 11:14:40 pm
We figured a printed manual (You know the piece of processed dead trees you get when you buy a toaster or a dishwasher) is a bit nonsensical when software evolves as quickly as it does. We find it very important to deliver Lumion to people of many languages and this even makes it even worse. It could lead to a situation where it will take longer to make sure that all the manuals are in order than actually releasing a new version.
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So, how do we solve this? We've come up with several solutions which, in or opinion, eliminate this problem and even have the potential to offer a superior user experience.
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1) Make the software easy. Lumion is designed so you don't really need a manual. A lot of Lumion is natural and in the line of expectations. Of course documentation can provide more insight into the fine details but Lumion is a tool which does not require you to read a manual.
2) Add help and hints integrated in the software. These consist of the quick tool-tips and the integrated help. Hover the mouse over the help icon and every hotkey, option or other thing you need to know at that point in the program is right there.
3) Video tutorials. A picture tells a thousands words. Reading a manual is one thing but how things really work is easier to see in a video.
4) Discussion forum. This forum is a quick way to get directions, feedback and tips on Lumion.