In today’s mobile-centric world, most consumers search for information on their mobile devices and read it there as well. As a result, user manuals are no longer distributed as paper booklets but are now provided as online manuals, or web-based manuals. This article explores the benefits of web manuals and the general steps in developing web manuals.

Apple’s Revolutionary Approach to User Manuals

Apple has consistently led the way in technology, manufacturing, and marketing innovation, and the format of their user manuals is no exception. Since the initial release of the iPhone in 2007, Apple has actively utilized web manuals instead of paper instructions, offering users the latest information and allowing for quick responses to product updates and feature changes.

Beyond web manuals, Apple offers an extensive array of support through built-in apps, downloadable PDF manuals, video tutorials, and an online community where Apple users can find answers to their questions. This multifaceted approach provides users with a superior experience, showcasing the convenience and utility of web manuals. Inspired by Apple’s success, many other manufacturing companies have adopted web manuals.

Benefits of Web Manuals from the Manufacturer’s Perspective

Implementing web manuals offers several advantages for manufacturers:

1. Efficient Updates: Manufacturers can swiftly revise manuals to provide users with the latest information on product updates or new features. This centralized management ensures consistency in the information provided.
2. User Feedback Collection: Features allowing users to immediately report feedback or issues with the manual help gather data necessary for product improvement. Incorporating user feedback can enhance products and services, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.
3. Enhanced Brand Image: Utilizing web manuals underscores a company’s commitment to technological innovation and environmental protection, contributing to a positive and sustainable brand image.
4. Global Market Accessibility: Multilingual support in web manuals increases a company’s competitiveness in global markets, offering accessibility and convenience to users worldwide.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility: Reducing printed manuals contributes to environmental conservation by decreasing paper usage, energy consumption, and waste, thereby fulfilling a company’s social responsibilities.

Benefits of Web Manuals from the User’s Perspective

The absence of web manuals often leads to consumer complaints. Keeping or unfolding paper manuals to understand usage is becoming less common.

1. Improved Accessibility: Users can access information from any internet-connected device, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
2. Convenience: Search functions allow users to quickly find the information they need.
3. Interactive Content: Videos and animations make complex procedures or functions easier to understand.
4. Up-to-Date Information: User manuals are immediately updated with product updates or new features, ensuring users always have the latest information.
5. Multiple Languages: Offering user manuals in various languages makes them accessible to global users in their preferred language.

General Steps in Developing Web Manuals

1. Preparation: Gather all relevant information about the product or service. This process is similar to the information collection for creating printed manuals.
2. Design Structure and Layout: Plan the overall structure of the web manual, including the table of contents, sections, and subsections, ensuring easy navigation for users. Unlike printed manuals, web manuals should be designed to maximize the use of navigation features.
3. UI/UX Design: Implement an interface that allows users to intuitively search for and connect to information.
4. Content Creation: Use tools tailored to the platform where the web manual will be hosted to create the content. There are now various tools available that allow simultaneous publishing of printed and web manuals.
5. Publishing: Upload the created content and conduct usability tests and reviews.
6. Distribution and Maintenance: Begin full-scale distribution of the manual and enter the ongoing maintenance phase.

Hansem Global’s Web Manual Production Service

Hansem Global possesses a proprietary conversion solution that allows for simultaneous publishing of printed and web manuals. Utilizing Adobe InDesign, a popular editing tool among many desktop publishers, we ensure that the visually rich graphics and diverse designs of printed manuals are maintained while being optimized for smart device interfaces.

Our web manual conversion solution currently supports over 50 languages and has been applied to Samsung smartphone user guides and Hyundai Mobis AVN web manuals. For web manual production needs, please contact Hansem Global.