Definition

Task is exactly what you think it would be. It consists of the following:

• Prerequisites

• Context

• Steps

• Results

• Post-requisites (next steps)

Purpose

Writers include task information to tell readers how to perform a task.

Role in product content

Task topics are the focal point of task-oriented content. Other information types are often used to support tasks. You can also use task topics to present scenarios that include steps.

Task types

Standard task

The Standard task provides the information a user needs to perform a procedure that requires more than one step. At a minimum, a Standard task must include all steps the user must perform and the correct order of those steps. A Standard task can also provide:

• Notes and other useful details

• Expected results of the procedure

• Any prerequisites or postrequisites

Graphical task

A Graphical task is a series of steps that are expressed in a graphical format. At a minimum, a Graphical task must include a single step that includes the image file that depicts the steps the user must perform. A Graphical task can also provide:

• Notes and other useful details

• Expected results of the procedure

• Any prerequisites or postrequisites

Task topic templates

The following templates are available in SDL repository for the Task topic types:

Standard taskA template named Task.dita is available for standard task topics.

Graphical taskA template named GraphicalTask.dita is available for tasks that are a graphical representation of a task.

Scenario taskA template named ScenarioTask.dita is available for tasks that depict a scenario.