What is technical writing?

Looking into the dictionary for the meaning of the word ‘technical’ would provide definitions and phrases like "simplifying the complex", "of or relating to a particular subject, art, or craft, or its techniques", "of, involving, or concerned with applied and industrial sciences", etc. Then what actually is technical writing? The meaning has been evolving since ages. It can be understood that technical writings were there from the times when languages were first put down in writing. In the modern age of industry, technical developments and telecommunications, technical writing holds some concrete meaning. In simple understanding technical writing involves the creations of manuals for software in computers where complex ideas, processes and concepts need to be communicated. The main work of technical writers is to translate technical information into simple language that is understood by all. They work at technology related industries.

Now to look extensively at the meaning of technical writing first we need to know what technical communication is. Technical writing is all about providing information and assistance to users looking for information on operating equipment, completing task, products, etc. They should have the skills for instructional design and user experience design. The works of technical writers revolve round the same things basically. The target of technical writing is to reach the audience with clear and organised content which again help users to reach their specified goals. A technical writer is more of an interpreter who translates technical ideas and thoughts of professionals of technical fields into simple language probably English. They translate complex scientific or industrial concepts into simple English for all to understand.

What are the responsibilities of a technical writer? The person has to look into and decide on the needs of the audience. When the technical, un-interpreted stuff is in hand, the writer has to organize their structure. They have to interpret and jot down information in the ways such that the audience find them useful and interesting. They have to keep in mind that the information is found easily by the audience, making it accessible. To make the contents of the articles acceptable for the readers they have to be adept at using several age elements like lists, tables, headings, etc in the most fitting manner. Finally they should proofread the document well enough so that it is devoid of any mistakes that include grammar, spelling and typographical errors. A technical writing document consists of several aspects like user manual, proposals, guides, reports of the quarter or year, planning studies, newsletters, websites, user assistance or FAQs, social media, online help and many such things.

Technical writing does not conform to merely creating user manuals. These writers have other responsibilities too. They could be asked to make other types of technical documents too. These documents would not just have similar features like their technical manuals but some of the documents could ask for more technical specifications. Lots of responsibilities fall on the shoulders of a technical writer. The person cannot afford to make a mistake since technical writing involves matters of seriousness, things like nuclear reactors or scientific invention for examples. A small mistake can cost a huge price. Accuracy is the last word in technical writing. The technical writer is largely responsible for what an audience understands. Thus it is necessary to understand the audience first. Unless the audience’s needs and requirements are understood properly before beginning a manual, the writer will not be able to interpret things as required. A technical writer needs to possess extensive knowledge on various subjects, especially the computer. If the writer does not know the complicated computer programmers, computer jargons and applications, the person will be incapable of interpreting them for the audience.

In this world where everything is going technical, the need for technical writing is more on the rise. The need is certainly going to be more day by day. Technical writing is created for a targeted audience and the need to understand the audience is the first priority for a technical writer. The writers bear great responsibilities on themselves and must be adept with dealing with technical jargons. Technical Writing is one of the most important things in the present age of science. If there is invention, new scientific thoughts and ideas, there should also be a medium to spread them to the common mass. Here comes the importance of technical writings.

Shrivardhan Dixit is professional Digital Evangelist. He has 7 years of experience in Seo, Smo, Digital Marketing and Content Writing.