Estimating Documentation Projects Fudge Factors to Consider
Are the people involved, especially the SMEs, difficult to work for? Difficult can mean a variety of things — always away on business? Territorially marks every project? Rude (for example, you are privileged to watch this person on the phone for hours)? If so, add an hour per page to your estimate.
- Is the product stable?
- If not, add an hour per page.
- Is your SME a human jellyfish?
- If he or she will give in to every bizarre demand from marketing and sales, add an hour per page.
- Who’s doing the formatting?
- If you are responsible for final formatting, add some time. If someone else is responsible, you can probably subtract a little.
- Who organizes the printing?
- If you have already worked with printers, you probably know how long it takes to prepare files and deal with them. Make sure you add this time into your estimate.
- Who does the graphics?
- If you have to start from scratch, add time, especially if you’re not proficient with drawing or drawing tools.
- How much project management is required?
- Allow time for reports, post-mortems, and any other project management required.
- What’s your experience level with the technology?
- Allow yourself time to come up to speed.
- What’s your experience level with the technical writing tools?
- If you need it, allow time to learn the new word processor or desktop publisher.
- How many reviewers do you have?
- Is there one overriding opinion?
- If you have to mediate between lots of reviewers, add time.