What can word processors do?
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Once text is entered, it can be processed (changed) easily. The appearance can be changed – called text formatting. Also the content can be changed – called text editing. |
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The text can be saved and reused. For example, a standard letter template can be created, and used to send similar letters to different people. |
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Professional-looking documents can be created by just about anyone. That’s because it’s easy to correct spelling mistakes, and to improve the appearance of the document with graphics and text formatting. |
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Since most people now create their own documents, fewer people are employed as professional typists. But this efficiency gain is reduced a little because most people can’t touch-type – so it takes longer to enter text. |
The big problem with word processors is that because they now contain so many different ways to edit and format information, it’s all too easy to get carried away and do things just because you can, rather than because it’s useful.
Keep the layout simple – remember the needs of your intended audience.
If possible design the layout of the document first, and then carry out an acceptance test with the user.