Christopher Moyer

 
 

I thrive in exploring the unknown, in taking an abstract concept or a new technology and deconstructing it, identifying all of its ‘parts’. And while self-study gets me some of the way there, nothing substitutes speaking with a subject matter expert.

My interview methods are my secret sauce. Spending time with a subject matter expert allows me to dig deep and explore every corner of an unknown concept or task. With curiosity as my guide, I’ve learned to trust my instincts. Often times subject matter experts articulate answers to questions they’d never considered. And it is together that we mine for and extract extremely valuable information; information that I package into succinct and structured content that I share with the end user.

And that’s what it’s all about…providing the end user with the right content, at the right time.

Guiding principles

End user experience and learning preferences

Have the single greatest impact on the content I write and how I deliver that content. Always align content with user goals.

 

Minimalism

Ensures that every word adds value. When content does not help user complete a task, I do not include it. Help the user get out of trouble. Make content findable.

 

Provide content

As close to (if not in) the UI as possible. Do not make the user switch contexts to get help.

 

Content that helps users to plan and make decisions

Is often underrepresented in technical content. We tend to assume that users know what they want to accomplish with an IT system, but that’s not always the case. Content that helps users understand why a task is important and when to perform it is just as important as the how.

 

Use a repeatable methodology

To move through a content development project. Over the years, I’ve developed my own methodology that combines elements of instructional design, structured authoring, and minimalism. I know what works and what doesn’t work.

 

Rely on subject matter experts as little as possible

Their time is extremely valuable, and there are many ways to move a project along without asking for input and direction.