Introduction to Technical Communication Week 1 Technical Communication
- Slides: 10
Introduction to Technical Communication Week 1 Technical Communication DAHMEN
What is technical communication? n n n Communicating about technology Writing about scientific subjects Writing highly detailed information for specific audiences Writing user-centered documents Training people to use technology
What is ‘technology’? n n n ‘the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area’¹ Objects used to make life ‘easier’ Computers and machines that use them Knowledge specific to a technical field Often used with modifiers (medical, information, educational…technology) ¹‘Technology. ’ Merriam-Webster’s Online. 2003. 30 August 2003 <http: //www. m-w. com/cgi-bin/dictionary>
Characteristics of Good Technical Communication n Accessible q q q n Usable q q n Logical location and format Appropriate to users Complete Efficient Easy to use Relevant q q Addresses correct information Correct purposes
Common Types of Tech Com n n n n Manuals Procedures/directions Training modules Quick References/Job Aids Proposals/Reports/Memos Multi-media demonstrations ‘Pushed’ information
Common Media used in Tech Com n n n n Paper/print Web pages Graphics Sound Databases Embedded help Oral presentations/training ‘Hands on’ or self-guided training
Who are Technical Communicators? n n n Writers Editors Web Designers Graphic artists Researchers Developers q q n Informational Instructional Project Managers
Where do Technical Communicators work? n n n n Engineering firms Software corporations Training and education Universities Law firms Consultants Government divisions Development and Communication
How do they work? n n n Team oriented Between engineers/subject experts and public Between technical experts and managers With writers, editors, usability specialists, artists, publishers, lawyers, experts… Under tight deadlines Emphasis on cost benefits
Additional Aspects of Tech Comm n n Societal dimensions Risk management Ethical dimensions Business models
Week by week plans for documenting children's development
Drafting introduction
Lightly drawn lines used for lettering
Introduction of technical analysis
Example of technical communication
Technical communication style
Technical communication a practical approach
Technical communication examples
Technical communication features
Technical communication
English for technical communication
