Re: Terminology for Select Exit

Subject: Re: Terminology for Select Exit
From: "Susan W. Gallagher" <sgallagher -at- EXPERSOFT -dot- COM>
Date: Fri, 28 Feb 1997 10:08:37 -0800

>>What is the correct terminology for describing a menu selection?
>>
>>Is it:
>> Select Exit FROM the menu
>> Select Exit ON the menu
>> Select Exit IN the menu

You serve users well if you create right-branching sentences, telling
them first the menu, then the option. I use an arrow to separate the
menu name from the option name, as in:

Select File > Exit from the menu.

I've also seen this technique work well with a vertical bar or a
colon instead of an arrow.

When you say "Select Exit from the File menu", users must read the
whole sentence before they get started, and often their eyes must
backtrack to reread the menu option.

Sue Gallagher
sgallagher -at- expersoft -dot- com
-- The _Guide_ is definitive.
Reality is frequently inaccurate.

TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send commands
to LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU (e.g. HELP or SIGNOFF TECHWR-L).
Search the archives at http://www.documentation.com/ or search and
browse the archives at http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html


Previous by Author: Re: RoboHelp and Graphics
Next by Author: Graphic Artist needed
Previous by Thread: Terminology for Select Exit
Next by Thread: Re: Terminology for Select Exit


What this post helpful? Share it with friends and colleagues:


Sponsored Ads