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The type of technical documentation varies from industry to industry and its application. In essence, it describes text that is composed for informational or instructional purpose. For instance, documents such as user manuals, instruction pamphlets, catalogs, and even online reference logs can be included within this genre. The writing process occurs after the event or product has transpired or been produced. Its purpose is to be informative when faced with a non-intuitive scenario.
Writing this type of genre requires a unique set of skills and understanding. The writer must be able to convey the information that is clear and effective. In effect, they are the midwife for the developer to the user. The writer must also understand his or her audience, the purpose of the documentation, the reason for writing, when the document will be of greatest importance, and the method of delivery.
Similar to writing any other work, an outline or working plan is always the best starting point. This plan should account for the different aspects listed above. Furthermore, it should establish a timeline and targets in order to reduce the number of edits and focus the participants with the work at hand. The next step would be for the writer to become completely versed in the subject matter and its manufacturer. The writer should put himself in the shoes of the end user in order to ensure the laser like focus on the subject matter.
Once a plan has been laid out, the writer's unique talent comes to play. The text should be malleable and easily digest-able. For example, if one were composing a user's manual, then the document should have an outline, table of contents, and/or appendix that allows the reader to skip to the relevant parts. Online documents can be easier in this regard due to the presence of hyperlinks.
The arduous process of any technical text is the editing. The writer may need to re-visit the subject matter, developer, and user requirements a number of times in order to ensure that all the relevant information is made available. The writing style should be very direct and not be verbose or overly descriptive for these types of works are not meant to tell a story, but rather deliver information, period.
There are different templates that writers can follow depending on the type of document. For proposals, for instance, the scope of the subject matter might be more important than its process. Executive summaries, on the other hand, are important in highlighting the issues or topics in general without getting bogged down with details. Other templates could range from project summaries to RFPs, or request for proposals. Understanding the audience is vital.
Other technical scripts have varied purposes. White papers can be useful in displaying one's comprehension, point of view, or as supportive material to an overall strategy. This latter aspect can be very useful for marketing purposes. Similar to white papers are case studies which focus on a specific situation and then reason certain conclusions based on those observations. In this regard, the subject matter should be clear and concise, even a bullet format can suffice.
Technical writing takes practice and the documentation can be involved. There are times when the subject matter can be overly complex. It is in these situations where the talent of the writer comes to the forefront. Whether its writing an employee handbook, white paper, project assessment, security plan, strategic actions, feasibility study, or user manual, technical documentation has its own level of importance. Suffice it to say, people generally don't read these types of documents for entertainment.
Writing this type of genre requires a unique set of skills and understanding. The writer must be able to convey the information that is clear and effective. In effect, they are the midwife for the developer to the user. The writer must also understand his or her audience, the purpose of the documentation, the reason for writing, when the document will be of greatest importance, and the method of delivery.
Similar to writing any other work, an outline or working plan is always the best starting point. This plan should account for the different aspects listed above. Furthermore, it should establish a timeline and targets in order to reduce the number of edits and focus the participants with the work at hand. The next step would be for the writer to become completely versed in the subject matter and its manufacturer. The writer should put himself in the shoes of the end user in order to ensure the laser like focus on the subject matter.
Once a plan has been laid out, the writer's unique talent comes to play. The text should be malleable and easily digest-able. For example, if one were composing a user's manual, then the document should have an outline, table of contents, and/or appendix that allows the reader to skip to the relevant parts. Online documents can be easier in this regard due to the presence of hyperlinks.
The arduous process of any technical text is the editing. The writer may need to re-visit the subject matter, developer, and user requirements a number of times in order to ensure that all the relevant information is made available. The writing style should be very direct and not be verbose or overly descriptive for these types of works are not meant to tell a story, but rather deliver information, period.
There are different templates that writers can follow depending on the type of document. For proposals, for instance, the scope of the subject matter might be more important than its process. Executive summaries, on the other hand, are important in highlighting the issues or topics in general without getting bogged down with details. Other templates could range from project summaries to RFPs, or request for proposals. Understanding the audience is vital.
Other technical scripts have varied purposes. White papers can be useful in displaying one's comprehension, point of view, or as supportive material to an overall strategy. This latter aspect can be very useful for marketing purposes. Similar to white papers are case studies which focus on a specific situation and then reason certain conclusions based on those observations. In this regard, the subject matter should be clear and concise, even a bullet format can suffice.
Technical writing takes practice and the documentation can be involved. There are times when the subject matter can be overly complex. It is in these situations where the talent of the writer comes to the forefront. Whether its writing an employee handbook, white paper, project assessment, security plan, strategic actions, feasibility study, or user manual, technical documentation has its own level of importance. Suffice it to say, people generally don't read these types of documents for entertainment.
About the Author:
Learn more about technical documentation. Stop by Allen Wright's site where you can find out all about technical documentation writing and what it can do for you.
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