The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/21494
ARE MEANS NG: Too many legal applications are still very difficult to use, and often the only solution is “training around the problems” to make up for the design deficiencies. When using a well-designed application, users can focus on the tasks at hand, especially if the interface seems almost invisible in the background. • Most-used features and functions brought to the forefront: Application designers should focus on bringing the most frequently performed tasks and associated features to the forefront, allowing users to learn how to perform them quickly. Then slowly, over time and when it makes sense, reveal and unlock the deeper “power-user” functions. Too many applications are designed to show off their prowess with over- engineered laundry lists of features and the corresponding training elements for each. Microsoft Office and other general productivity applications have addressed this, to some extent, by showing most frequently used choices and hiding infrequently used ones. • Customized training based on the stage and type of use: With just a little bit of user input, the application should be smart enough to know how experienced the users are and what work they need to get done. From these pieces of information, collected over time and based on direct user input and actual usage, the application should customize such things as the suggestions, menus and help text. If a user has just completed a task, the application should suggest and help with the next logical step in his/her workflow. For example, in matter management, if an attorney completes a litigation matter that she’s tracking, the application should ask if she wants to start a new matter and pre-populate the steps taken in prior litigation workflows and should also provide relevant tips and training along the way. • Interactive training elements: Web browsers and applications today make it possible to provide elegant and interactive tours of an application; rollovers for more information; short, impactful videos; live Peer to Peer the quarterly magazine of ILTA 91