One of the challenges for Technical Authors is quantifying the value of what they produce. For example, how can you tell how many people are reading online Help when the software is installed on someone’s desktop computer? One application mentioned in passing as last week’s UAEurope conference, ApplicationMetrics, might be able to provide the answer.
ApplicationMetrics collects usage and platform data, behind the scenes. It’s a product that is no longer being developed any more, but you can still download it. It may enable you to collect “operational funnel” data that’s similar marketing funnel data – test and track whether users are going to the help and resolving their issues.
If I’m allowed a shameless plug, this was the topic of my UA Europe presentation. Whilst it was a case study of how we implemented and used Adobe Robohelp Server, a sizeable proportion also covered other tools that we have considered and even used in the past. People can find it at:
http://www.cmcandrew.com/robocolumn/archives/3124