Simplifying Special Elements

One challenge of using a full-featured application such as Office Word 2007 is that it can be difficult to remember how to do things you use only once in a while. For example, when you need to add a sophisticated equation in the annual report you’re producing, how do you find and use the Equation Builder? And what exactly is the difference between an endnote and a footnote, and how do you know when to use which one?

The new Equation Builder makes it easy for you to add sophisticated equations to your document. You can choose ready-made equations from the Equation Gallery or create a new equation using the contextual tab of equation tools:

Additionally, citations and other references are easier to add and use. You can choose a specific citation style, use the Resource Manager to organize your references, and create a bibliography automatically from the resources used in your document.

2007 Microsoft Office System Behind-the-Scenes Interview

Leslie Cole, Content Publisher for Office Word 2007

What are your favorite new features in Office Word 2007? I am very excited about the new content controls for making templates and forms. But I’m also excited about the new cover page and predesigned page layout options; the new equation, and citation and bibliography features; changes to lists, styles, and tables; and of course, the fabulous new user interface that gets you to all of those great Office Word 2007 features.

How long have you been working with the new release? Do you have a special area of emphasis? Developing documentation for a new product comes later in the release cycle, after most of the product development has been finished. I’ve been working on some aspect of the Office Word documentation for this release since April 2005. I’m one of three individuals who develop documentation for the new Office Word 2007.

Did the new page layout changes come about as a result of user feedback? How so? While a lot of the features aren’t new to Office Word 2007, what the features look like and how much easier they’ll make your job most certainly is new. The entire development of Office Word 2007 was based on customer feedback. Some of that feedback came from customers who were looking at online articles, demos, training, and help topics and gave us feedback that many features were buried or too hard to use.

Do you have a sense of who a “typical” Office Word 2007 user is? What is this person producing? I’m in the business of creating assistance content for users who tell us every single day in their online feedback who they are and what they need. The typical user has a task they’re trying to accomplish and wants answers right now. We try to produce content that meets those needs as much as we can.