Technical communication is all about making the technology understandable to the end users. The main purpose is to make the complex subject simple so that the user is able to understand it and can derive maximum benefit from it. It is a win-win situation for both the technology provider and the user.
Technical communicators are reading about thousands of theories on technical communication. So much so that the field is bifurcated into information architecture, design, usability etc etc. The bottom line is that we need to present the technology in most simplified form to the user. We need some basic principles for that:
1. Analysing the end user - the level, background, aptitude to learn the technology.
2. Gathering Information - from all the relevant sources.
3. Creating Objectives that are user centric
4. Designing Information - To make the first draft of TOC, a feasible plan on how to place visual elements with the content.
5. Packaging the Information - Packaging the information in the right format according to user needs. It can be a printed document, pdf or online help.
6. Usability Testing - Performing a test on the usability status of the technical communication product.
Companies like Information Mapping have evolved a simple principle to create technical commmunication products. Above all, the bottomline is, the end user should be happy about the product.
Posted by suman_malik
at 1:29 PM
