To: Nancy Myers

From: Russell Price

Date: April 30th, 2020
Subject: APLED 121-Chapter 7 Summary
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CHAPTER 7

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTIONS AND PROCESS ANALYSES

Define Technical Analyses-a part-by-part depiction of subject components and an important feature of
a technical communication.
Types of Technical Descriptions

• Operations Manuals-May be included in manufacturer packaging. Designed to help with

construction, installation, operation, and service, as well as features and capabilities.
• Product Demand Specifications-A written request to a third party detailing a specific product
needed by the originator of the request. Written to a high-tech audience.
• Study Reports Provided by Consulting Firms-A report by a consulting engineer on which a
product demand specification request can be created to solve a specific problem.
• Construction Design-A project overview produced by an architectural company. Includes legal
descriptions, text, and graphics. Often used for presentations, and to modify platting and obtain
permits.
• Sales Literature-Technical descriptions designed for sales purposes.
Definition of Process Analyses-Comparable to a set of instructions, but instead highlights how
something works rather just how to do something.
Examples of Process Analyses-Different analyses can be provided depending on the goals of both the
company and end user who is receiving the technical communication.
Criteria for Writing Technical Descriptions and Process Analyses
• Title-Text precisely stating the topic.
• Overall Organization
✓ Introduction-Specify and explain the topic’s function or process.
✓ Discussion-Describe the components and how they work, focusing on detail.
• Highlighting Techniques-Aid in understanding by using headings, itemization, and graphics. Can
included many different types of drawings and views, use of callouts is beneficial.
The Writing Process at Work
• Prewriting-Write an outline and brainstorm.
• Writing-Write your technical description and draw accompanying graphics based on the outline.
• Rewriting-Revise your work to improve the efficacy of the finished copy.