Technical writing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Technical writing is any written form of writing or drafting technical communication used in a variety of
technical and occupational fields, such as computer
hardware and software, engineering, chemistry, aeronautics, robotics, finance, consumer electronics,
and biotechnology. It encompasses the largest sub-field within technical communication.[1]
The Society for Technical Communication defines technical communication as any form of
communication that exhibits one or more of the following characteristics: "(1) communicating about
technical or specialized topics, such as computer applications, medical procedures, or environmental
regulations; (2) communicating through technology, such as web pages, help files, or social media sites;
or (3) providing instructions about how to do something, regardless of the task's technical nature". [2]

What is Technical Writing?

Technical writing is sometimes defined as simplifying the complex. Inherent in such a concise and
deceptively simple definition is a whole range of skills and characteristics that address nearly every field
of human endeavor at some level. A significant subset of the broader field of technical communication,
technical writing involves communicating complex information to those who need it to accomplish some
task or goal.
Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO) provides four definitions for the word technical, all of which relate to the
profession of technical writing:
1. of or relating to a particular subject, art, or craft, or its techniques
2. of, involving, or concerned with applied and industrial sciences
3. resulting from mechanical failure
4. according to a strict application or interpretation of the law or rules
With these definitions in mind, its easy to see that technical writing has been around as long as there
have been written languages. 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 technical writing
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 communicated. 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; however, a
growing number of technical communicators are using technical content to resolve business
communications problems in a diversifying number of industries.

Technical writing is a type of writing where the author is writing about a particular subject that requires
direction, instruction, or explanation. This style of writing has a very different purpose and
different characteristics than other writing styles such as creative writing, academic writing or business
writing.

Uses for Technical Writing

Technical writing is straightforward, easy to understand explanations and/or instructions dealing with a
particular subject. It is an efficient and clear way of explaining something and how it works.
The subject of technical writing can either be:
Tangible - Something that can be seen or touched, such as a computer or software program, or
information on how to assemble a piece of furniture.
Abstract - Something that involved a series of steps that aren't related to a tangible object. One example
of this might be steps required to complete an office process.
Some examples of technical writing include:
Instruction manuals
 Policy manuals
Process manuals
User manuals
Reports of analysis
Instructions for assembling a product
A summarization of a long report that highlights and shortens the most important elements