Technical Writing can be define as simplifying the difficult things. A significant subset of the broader field of technical communication, it involves communicating complex information to those who need it to accomplish some task or goal. Modern references to technical writing and technical communications as a profession begin around the time of World War I. As technical developments in warfare, industry and telecommunications began to evolve more rapidly. Although many people today think of it as creating manuals for computers and software. The practice of technical writing takes place in any field or industry. Where complex ideas, concepts, processes or procedures need to be communicate.
In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics defines technical writers as those who “ put technical information into easily understandable language. They work primarily in information-technology-related industries, coordinating the development and dissemination of technical content for a variety of users.
Aim of Technical Writing
Good technical writing results in relevant, useful and accurate information geared to specifically targeted audiences in order to enable a set of actions on the part of the audience in pursuit of a defined goal. The goal may be using a software application, operating industrial equipment, preventing accidents, safely consuming a packaged food, assessing a medical condition, complying with a law, coaching a sports team, or any of an infinite range of possible activities. If the activity requires expertise or skill to perform, then technical writing is a necessary component.
Technical writing follows a development lifecycle that often parallels the product development lifecycle of an organization:
- Identification of needs, audience, and scope
- Planning
- Research & content development
- Testing / review and revision
- Delivery / production
- Evaluation and feedback
- Disposition
Integrated Technical Communications
Enormous changes have occur in this field in the last 20 years. Particularly with how technical content is research, and how it is produce and deliver. As a result, more organizations are developing integrated technical communications to effectively manage the information that must be communicated. They also build a content management strategy that encompasses delivery of technical, marketing and promotion, internal and other communications messages between the organization and its customers, suppliers, investors and employees