In addition to our Conference interest areas that reflect the key issues in our field, we also offer a special focus on:

• DITA and XML
  • UA for Mobile Devices
   • Writing Techniques
    • HTML5 and CSS3
      • Help
       • Case Studies

DITA and XML

The Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) has become an important format for authoring and distributing technical information. The concept of working from a single content source and repackaging the information for multiple output targets has become an attractive solution. These sessions highlight how DITA, XML, and information architecture enable a much more consistent and economical production environment.

• Getting Good PDF Out of DITA • Sarah O'Keefe
  
• DITA Relationship Tables: The Basics and Beyond • Dave Gash
  
• Introduction to DITA Conditional Processing • Dave Gash
  
• A Survey of DITA WebHelp Formats • Simon Bate
  

UA for Mobile Devices

The tremendous growth in mobile devices has opened a new and exciting frontier for user assistance development. The smartphone market now offers numerous competitive platforms and hundreds of thousands of apps. Many of these apps are full-featured and have needs similar to more traditional applications. These sessions provide an inside look at how to get involved with mobile UA development.

• Getting Started with UA for Mobile Applications • Joe Welinske
  
• UA Tips and Tricks for iPhone/iPad • Myles Pflum
  
• Innovations in UA at Oracle • Marta Rauch
  
• Embracing Visual Communication with Mobile Video • Paolo Tosolini
  

Developing the words, phrases, definitions, procedures and conceptual descriptions is at the core of our user assistance solutions. These sessions highlight the craft of creating great content.

• Writing Help for Software Trial Versions • Michael Hughes
  
• Dealing with Subject Matter Experts in the Design Process • Kevin Moore
  
• Adding Gusto to Glossaries • Leah Guren
  
• Influencing Product Direction • Rob Houser
  
• Minimalist Writing to Improve Writing and Translation Workflows • Bernard Aschwanden
  

The emergence of HTML5 has been fast and furious. It is now the standard of choice for mobile web browsing and the desktop is not far behind. Combined with CSS3, the ability to create rich, interactive web pages with through an open-source approach is now available us.

• Cascading Style Sheets (CSS): Current Techniques and the Promise of CSS3 • Mike Hamilton
  
• HTML5 and CSS3 to the Point • Scott DeLoach
  
• User Annotations with HTML5 • Dave Gash
  

Online Help continues to be one of the most important deliverables in user assistance. These session discuss innovative techniques to keep Help topics fresh and effective.

• Integrating Help, Technical Support, and Training Content • Paul Mueller
  
• Using Comics as an Inspiration to Create HTML-based Walkthroughs • Steve Stegelin
  
• Improving Your Online Help with Topic Type Patterns • Linda Urban
  
• Writing Help for Software Trial Versions • Michael Hughes
  

An invaluable source of practical knowledge can be found in the work of our colleagues. The following case studies highlight the implementation of important new techniques and technologies in actual software development projects.

 Content Strategy

• Using Iterative Design and Usability to Create Intuitive Applications • Leanne Logan
  
• Integrating Help, Technical Support, and Training Content • Paul Mueller
  

 Tools and Technologies

• Using MadPak Suite to Enhance Your Help • Patrick Calnan
  
• UA Tips and Tricks for iPhone/iPad • Myles Pflum
  

 Emerging Skills

• Innovations in UA at Oracle • Marta Rauch
  
• Using Comics as an Inspiration to Create HTML-based Walkthroughs • Steve Stegelin