New Look = More Training?

I’ve noticed that end users have a very interesting relationship with change. By that, I really mean to say that most people are very anxious about changes for which they did not specifically ask.

When any application updates its UI, no matter how drastic the change, many users will instantly believe more has changed than actually has. For web developers, this almost certainly results in many re-education sessions with clients on functionality that remains 100% unchanged.

Take the latest WordPress update as an example. Although the UI changes are almost entirely cosmetic (and outlined here), I’ve already had one client ask whether the new version will affect the processes they regularly complete. Every single process. In excruciating detail.

Enter WP Help

Don’t get me wrong, these questions are not stupid. However, they are often time-consuming to answer. Therefore, I highly recommend using a plugin such as WP Help to reassure clients and save yourself some time. As per the WordPress Plugin Directory:

Administrators can create detailed, hierarchical documentation for the site’s authors and editors, viewable in the WordPress admin. Powered by Custom Post Types, you get all the power of WordPress to create, edit, and arrange your documentation. Perfect for customized client sites. Never send another “here’s how to use your site” e-mail again!

If you establish with your clients that the WordPress Admin Help section as the preferred place for them to go for relevant update information after each new release, this will save you valuable time.