Methods for measuring knowledge-transfer effectiveness in user and training documentation

Many instruments are available that measure the capacity for establishing peer-level communication skills. However, few exist that evaluate the effectiveness of knowledge transfer in the writer-reader relationship. The Learning Style Inventory (LSI), the User Empowerment Inventory (UEI) and think-aloud protocols help to assess how people acquire new knowledge and process information. The results of such measurements/observations help to determine user requirements. This paper presents a case history where LSI, UEI and think-aloud protocols were used to help improve both user and training documentation in an adverse, reactionary project environment