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The Online Competition
The Online Competition includes forms of communication that depend on an electronic medium for delivery. The entries must be designed for viewing on a computer or similar device, not on paper. These forms of communication include computer-based training, online documentation, help systems, online demonstration programs, simple text retrieval systems, multimedia information systems, and Web pages. The competition is not limited to online documents that support computer products. Entries can include online encyclopedias, road maps, foreign language instruction, medical handbooks, and more.
About Adobe Acrobat (.pdf file) Documents
Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files that are distributed electronically as a cost-saving measure and are meant to be printed by users should be entered in the Technical Publications Competition. However, if an entry is a .pdf file that is primarily intended to be viewed online (for example, a company handbook) or has interactive features, such as linked tutorials, supporting Web sites, interactive forms, etc., you may submit it in the online Reference category.
The table below describes the Online categories. Each category is linked to its judging criteria.
Category |
Description |
Help |
Online information that provides immediate assistance to individuals while they use a product. It provides information appropriate to the task on an as-needed or as-requested basis. This category includes and is not limited to general help, procedural help, cue cards, examples, performance support, and integrated user assistance. |
Reference |
This category includes two types of online
information:
Documents that help define or explain structure, results, words, problems, or parameters. These documents are typically published in a reference work format, similar to a dictionary or encyclopedia. This category includes and is not limited to online dictionaries, glossaries, function or object descriptions, data structure definitions, encyclopedias, and directories.
Documents that help the user to complete a set of tasks or solve a set of problems. This includes troubleshooting tools, wizards or wizard-like task completion tools, quick start guides, and automated support tools. If an entry is an Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file that is designed to be viewed online or has interactive features, such as linked tutorials, supporting Web sites, or interactive forms, it may be appropriate to enter it in the Reference category. Review the description for the Reference category to determine whether the entry fits in it.
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Promotional |
This category includes two types of entries:
Interactive online information that demonstrates or describes the main features of a service, product, or product line with user interaction or feedback. This type of online material motivates people to buy or use a product or service, or informs them of the product or service features or benefits. Besides demonstrations of products, this category also includes guided tours and marketing material designed for dynamic user interaction.
Static, non-interactive online information that describes or defines the main features of a product or product line. This type of online material motivates people to buy or use a product or service, or informs them of the product or service features or benefits. This category includes and is not limited to online brochures, catalogs, and marketing materials designed to remain static. Most corporate Web pages belong in this category.
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Tutorials/Training |
Online information that teaches the techniques for using the main features and capabilities of a product, or assists in the process of teaching. This category includes and is not limited to computer-based training applications, tutorials, online lesson books, and training aids.
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