On a Twitter thread about a fairly technical product a customer asked if the creator would consider making a paper version of the documentation. Their discussion got me thinking; is there a market for paper manuals for digital systems in our digital age?

Paper manuals for digital things isn’t a new idea, but it isn’t old either. 1950’s IBM mainframes had paper manuals, and books on Microsoft 365(https://www.amazon.ca/Teach-Yourself-VISUALLY-Microsoft-365/dp/1119893518) have been a big hit in offices I’ve worked with. They have a number of advantages:

• They’re far less prone to failure or inaccessibility (power outages, etc).

• They can be easier to find. A small shelf of manuals is simpler to look through than computer folders full of files.

• For some, they can be easier to read and absorb.

• It can be easier to follow along with instructions visible alongside your computer screen.

There are some disadvantages though:

• They’re slow or potentially impossible to update.

• They’re expensive to create and distribute.

• They aren’t searchable.

• You can include screenshots and photos, but not video.

Even while writing those out I was able to think of ways to work around or assist with those cons:

• If in binder format, individual pages or sections could be replaced.

• While not as fast as search, a back matter index could help.

• QR codes linking to videos would be quick and easy to use.

The manuals I’m imagining wouldn’t be generic (i.e. the Microsoft 365 one linked above); they would be for processes specific to your org. For example, “how to fill out and submit a timesheet” or “how to troubleshoot our internet”. It might make sense to create a demo for people to check out in person…let me know if this is something you’d like to see.

The final question is financial viability. How much would you pay for a manual (or set of manuals)? How much would you pay for updates? Do you have staff capable and willing who you could pay to do this, or would you need hire someone external?

If any of this sounds interesting to you, if you have questions, or if you think I’m crazy and want to tell me so, you can find contact details on our website at scalebright.ca.