Technical Writing

Writing Technical Communication

Technical writing is any form of communication about technical or specialized topics, such as computer applications, medical procedures, or environmental regulations; writing using technology. For example, web pages, help files, social media sites, or providing instructions about how to do something. Furthermore, technical writing involves collecting data into a form so an end user can implement it to complete a task.

Technical Writing Aids in Communication

Writing aids in the explanation, and possibly simplification, of complex subjects to an end user who may be unfamiliar with a product, concept, or application. Technical writers (or technical author) writes and shares technical information in a professional setting. A technical writer’s primary task is to communicate technical information to another person or party in the clearest and most effective manner possible.

Skillsets for Technical Writing

The information that technical writers communicate is often complex, so strong writing and communication skills are essential. Technical writers not only convey information through text, but they must be proficient with computers as well.

Technical Writing Applications

Writers use a wide range of programs to create and edit illustrations, diagramming programs to create visual aids, and document processors to design, create, and format documents. For example, online help, user manuals, and technical documentation can cover a wider range of genres and technologies.

Writing Technical Documents

Technical writing covers many genres and styles, depending on the information and audience. Technical documents are not solely produced by technical writers. Almost anyone who works in a professional setting produces technical documents of some variety. Some examples of technical documentation include instructions and procedures are documents that help either developers or end-users operate or configure a device or program.

Writing Technical Proposals

Most projects begin with a proposal—a document that describes the purpose of a project, project tasks, the methods to complete the project, and finally, the cost of the project. Proposals cover a wide range of subjects. For example, a technical writer may author a proposal that outlines how much it will cost to install a new computer system.

Technical Writing for Press releases

When a company wants to publicly reveal a new product or service, it will have a writer author a press release. This is a document that describes the product’s functions and value to the public.

Writing Technical Specifications

Technical writing specifications are design outlines that describe the structure, parts, packaging, and delivery of an object or process in enough detail that another party can reconstruct it. For example, a technical writer might diagram and write the specifications for a smartphone or bicycle so that a manufacturer can produce the object.

Writing Descriptions

Technical writing descriptions are shorter explanations of procedures and processes that help readers understand how something works. For example, a technical writer might author a document that shows the effects of greenhouse gases or demonstrates how the braking system on bike functions.

Writing Technical Reports

Technical writing reports are written to provide readers with information, instructions, and analysis for tasks.  Reports come in many forms. For example, a technical writer might evaluate a building that is for sale and produce a trip report that highlights his or her findings and whether he or she believes the building should be purchased.

Writing Technical Case Studies

A technical writing case study is a report about a person, group, or situation over time; also, a situation in real life to learn about something. For example, an individual’s challenging situation at their workplace and their resolution as a case study.

Technical Writing for White Papers

White papers are documents that are written for experts in a field and typically describe a solution to a technological or business challenge or problem.   Examples of white papers include a piece that details how to make a business stand out in the market or a piece explaining how to prevent cyber-attacks on businesses.

Writing Technical Datasheets

Technical writing datasheets are documents that summarize the features, key specifications, technical characteristics, application circuits, and some other important information about the product, machine, equipment, software, application, or system in brief.

Technical Writing API Guidelines

Writing API guides are written for the developer community and are used to explain the application programming interfaces.

Writing Technical Help Systems

Technical writing help systems are online help centers that provide users with technical information about products and services. They provide content as web pages that are viewed in a browser. The content may be created in help center software, such as Zendesk, or in help authoring tools or component content management systems that create a help center as an HTML output.

Technical Writing Tools

Writers author and present documents using desktop publishing tools or word processors. Technical writers use word processors to author, edit, design, and print documents. Technical writing is as much about page layout as the written language, enhanced desktop, and publishing tools.

Help Authoring Tools

Technical writers create help systems with software products, seen on web browsers, or as files, users can view on their computers. When writing instructional procedures to describe mechanical, electrical, or software programs, technical writers use these tools to assist them in simplifying processes.

Component Content Management Systems

Technical writers create help systems and documents. Component Content Management Systems (CCMS) allow writers to create similar outputs as help authoring tools. Moreover, they also provide content management features such as version management and built-in workflows.

Image editing software. Often, images and other visual elements can communicate information better than paragraphs of text. In these instances, image editing software like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP are used by technical writers to create and edit the visual aspects of documents like photos, icons, and diagrams.

Collaborative software programs. Because technical writing often involves communication between multiple individuals who work for different companies, it can be a collaborative affair.  Technical writers use Wiki Systems and document workspaces to work with other writers and parties to construct technical documents.

Web development tools. Technical writer jobs include producing content for a company’s corporate and professional websites. A technical writer may also be proficient in Web development tools.

Text editors. Programs allow technical writers to edit plain text. Furthermore, text editors change content such as configuration files, documentation files, and programming language source code. Technical writers use text editors when working with online content.

Graphic software. To communicate statistical information such as the number of visits to a restaurant. Or the amount of money a university spends on its sporting programs, technical writers use graphs and flowcharts.

Screen capture tools. Technical writers frequently use screen-capture tools When creating instructions for computer software, it may be easier for a technical writer to simply record a short video of their desktops as they complete a task than it would be to write a lengthy series of instructions that describe how the task must be performed.

Tell us about your technical writing project. Let our team create your next, technical documentation for your business or organization.

Also see: TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS

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We provide various product displays, from small Point-of-Purchase to Major Trade Show Product Displays and unique Museum exhibit working modules. Furthermore, TECHCOM offers the best cutaways in the business. For example, our working Model Simulations show off your product and visually represent what is inside. Again, our training aid products are great for classroom teaching, training, or informative demos on the tradeshow floor.

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Publications

Let us interpret complex technology and concepts for your audience with exceptional Technical writing and technical graphics services for print and digital technical publications. Moreover, our technical writers craft basic technical information into helpful print and digital publications.

In addition, TECHCOM has created tens of thousands of illustrations and graphics to demonstrate various components and concepts—for instance, visual representation of internal wiring and electrical systems. Also see Technical Publication Markets.

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