Better interface for file downloads and uploads from a web page?

Question

I have what seems like a typical usage scenario for users downloading, editing and uploading a document from a web page.

1. User clicks a link to download a document
2. User edits downloaded file
3. User saves the file
4. User goes back to the web page and uploads the new file with the changes

The problem is that downloaded files are typically saved in a temporary directory, so it can be difficult to find the file after it is saved. The application is for very non-technical users, and I can already imagine the problems with saved files being lost or the wrong versions being uploaded.

Is there a better way? Things I've thought about:

1. Using Google Docs or something similar. Problems: forcing users to use new application with less features, importing legacy content, setting up accounts for everyone to edit a file.
2. Using WebDAV to serve the files. Not sure how this would work exactly, but seems like it should be possible
3. Some kind of Flash or Java app that manages downloads and uploads. Not sure if these even exist.
4. User education :)

If it matters, the files will be mostly Word and Powerpoint documents.

Answer 1

Clear instructions to save to their desktop is a start. Then clear instructions to go to the desktop to re-up it. I've not run across an online MSWord viewer/editor or whatever format the file is, but I'm sure they exist, now that Google Docs and a few other online versions of MSOffice exist.

Answer 2

I would make sure that there are easy to follow instructions, plus a tutorial somewhere else (perhaps with a video too) to guide users through the process.

Answer 3

Actually, despite the fact that you have more flexibility with AJAX in developing application, the problem of uploading multiple files is not solved yet.

To the thoughts you've mentioned in your question:

1. Google Docs: Online apps like Google docs are certainly appealing for certain use cases. However, if you'd like to upload Word and Powerpoint slides, you don't want the content to be changed once you've uploaded the document. The problem is that Google Docs uses its own data format and therefore changes some of the formats. If you go for an online app, I'd go for a Document Management Solution. I'm sure there are plenty (even free ones) out there; however, I didn't use any on them yet.

2. WebDAV It is possible and seems to me like the best solution. You can embed WebDav like any directory. Documents are locked until a user releases the document. Unfortunately, you don't have a web front end to manage the files or administer access restrictions. It

3. Flash or Java app They do exist, for sure. I'd prefer Flash over Java since Flash Apps still run smoother within a browser. I would definitely not use a rich application, even if it is a Java Web Start app that can be downloaded and opens in a separate window. More and more, users seem to accept browser based web applications. Which brings me to point 4:

4. User education You can educate them, sure. But in the end you want them to want to use the system. Most often, users get easily used to a tool. However, if they don't like the tool, they're not going to use it.