Structure Development of a Software Manual System at SKF

Abstract: The purpose of this thesis is to develop an overall strategy and structure for the software tool manual of the Orpheus platform. The Orpheus platform contains several powerful calculation software tools that are created,
developed and used within Svenska Kullagerfabriken AB (SKF).

Both qualitative and quantitative research methodology was utilized in this thesis. The qualitative research data consisted of five in-depth interviews with employees whose main tasks were to write the manual and give support
to the users of the software. The quantitative research data was gathered with the aid of an electronic survey. Furthermore, a cognitive walkthrough and literature studies, were performed.

The main problem with the web- based user manual was difficulties in finding information, which partly depended on the weak-designed layout and the structure of the user manual.

The author recommends, inter alia, tree-structured menus, logo on all pages, back button, page up button, linkable pictures and breadcrumbs that show where the user is in the structure.