QuickRef - Documentation + a Supportive UI
QuickRef.org uses "active search" to give you very quick access to documentation on all kinds of programming languages. Type in a method name, language, or object, and, odds are, you’ll get very fast results that document what you’re looking for. QuickRef’s archive is drawn entirely from free documentation; most of it comes from the actual "official" doc.
QuickRef does its job well: it gives you fast access to information. However, it also does its job well because it uses a UI that supports the user and the search process; it’s a very user-centered design. From a graphic design perspective, there’s not much there: it’s a giant search bar. But, this is what it should be: the user’s primary focus is searching, so give them - what else? - a giant search bar. That’s good (user-centered) design.
But, there are a few other very solid UI gems that help give QuickRef a delightful user experience. QuickRef’s search results are color-coded by topic. This speeds visual browsing, helping users easily jump to and select the information they’re looking for. Is color the best choice? Probably, even though it’s not fully visually accessible. However, it ultimately helps users by promoting "browseability".
QuickRef also makes use of AJAX where it’s actually needed and does a lot of good. QuickRef allows users to minimize search results in little "windows" like a desktop app. Think of the benefit for the user: odds are, you’re going to be working on that project for which you’re tracking down information on the DOM for more than just one visit; persisting the results gives a huge benefit for the user. It’s something not often seen: AJAX for more than AJAX’s sake; it’s Web 2.0 building an intiuitive feature that’s beneficial to the user. In all, keeping those results around is a great use of technology that’s a big help.
QuickRef looks like it could be a very good user-centered resource.
technorati tags:quickref, user-centered design, user focus, ajax, reference
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