Technical writing is a broad field that has evolved to cover the needs of many industries. Technical writers are required to research and collect technical information from other sources such as product owners, engineers, designers, managers and more. They then synthesize this information clearly and concisely which is both accurate and understandable to readers. Moreover, they are also tasked with putting together documentation for both internal and external use. Technical writers typically work in fields such as engineering, computer science, and medicine, among others.
What is Technical Writing?
Technical writing is a type of writing that focuses on providing information about products, services, or systems. It is typically used in technical fields such as engineering, computer science, consumer electronics, and medicine.
Also referred to as technical communication, this type of writing involves communicating complex information in a way that is easy for the reader to understand. To achieve this goal, technical writers use a variety of tools and techniques, including diagrams, charts, and illustrations.
They also use clear and concise language to explain technical concepts in a way that is easy for the reader to follow. In many cases, technical writers will specialize in a specific field or industry. This allows them to develop a deep understanding of the jargon and technical terms used in that particular field. For example, to explain to users how a MacBook Pro works, a writer needs to specialize in consumer electronics.
Simply put, technical writing involves communicating technical information to non-technical audiences.
Types of technical writing
There are typically three main types of technical writing:
1) User documentation: This type of technical writing provides instructions on how to use a product or service. It includes manuals, how-to guides, and online help such as frequently asked questions (FAQs). For example, this technical article by Apple support explains how users can set up their iPhones or iPad.
A great example of user documentation is this Samsung Fridge user manual:
2) Technical reports: These are typically longer and more complex than user documentation. They are used to communicate research results or to describe the working of a system or process. There are many different types of technical reports. Some examples include feasibility studies, progress reports, system documentation, test reports, and design specifications. Technical reports are usually written for a knowledgeable audience.
3) Marketing materials: This type of technical writing is used to promote a product or service. It can include brochures, website content, and case studies. Take this article from Hubspot as an example. The content of the article technically provides readers with 26 brilliant marketing email campaign examples, which makes it a great resource for digital marketers.
Examples of technical writing: Formal & Informal Documents
There are countless types of technical writing, but most can be classified into one of two categories: formal or informal. Formal documents include things like manuals, specifications, and reports. They usually follow a set structure and use specific language. Informal documents, on the other hand, include things like blog posts, emails, and memos. They’re usually less formal in tone and more flexible in format.
Both types of technical writing have their place, but I’m going to focus on informal documents. Why? Because they’re often underestimated and overlooked, yet, they can be just as important (if not more so) than their formal counterparts.
Technical writing doesn’t always have to be dry and boring. In fact, some of the best technical writing is also the most engaging and readable. Take the “Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Starter Guide” by Google as an example. It’s packed with valuable insights and tips, but it’s also written in a relatable, approachable style. That’s what makes it such a great resource for SEO newbies.
The best way to learn about informal technical writing is to see some examples for yourself. So let’s take a look at three common types of informal technical documents: blog posts, emails, and memos.
Blog Posts
If you’re reading this article, then you’re probably already familiar with blog posts. They’re a staple of the internet, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are short and sweet while others are long and detailed. But no matter what, they all have one thing in common: they’re designed to be read by humans, not machines.
This doesn’t mean that blog posts can’t be technical. In fact, many of them are. But even the most technical blog posts will usually contain some elements of informal writing. After all, why would anyone want to read a dry, boring blog post when there are so many other options out there?
Here’s an example of a technical blog post written in an informal style: “10 Tips For Writing Cleaner Code in Any Programing Language” by Claudia Sanjuan, a software developer at Uno Square. The article is packed with valuable information that web developers will find useful. In addition, it’s also written in a relatable, down-to-earth style. That’s what makes it such a great resource. This technical article also gives nine tactics for writing abandoned cart email subject lines.
Emails
Emails are another common type of informal document. Unlike formal documents like reports and manuals, they don’t usually follow a set structure or format. Instead, they’re typically more concise. This is because they’re designed to be read quickly and easily, not slowly and carefully.
Of course, not all emails are created equal. Some of them are purely informational, while others are more persuasive in nature. But no matter what their purpose is, they all have one thing in common: they’re written in an informal style.
Here’s an example of an informational email written in an informal style:
Subject: Meeting tomorrow Hi everyone, Just a quick heads up that we’ll be having our weekly team meeting tomorrow at 10 am in the conference room. See you then! Best, [Your Name]
And here’s an example of a persuasive email written in an informal style:
Subject: Time to switch to Slack? Hi everyone, I know we’ve been using Google Hangouts for our team chat, but I think it’s time to switch to Slack. Here’s why: 1. It’s easier to use 2. It has more features 3. It integrates with our other tools What do you think? Should we switch to Slack? Best, [Your Name]
Memos
Last but not least, we have memos. A Memo (short for memorandum) is another common type of informal document. Unlike formal documents like reports and manuals, they don’t usually follow a set structure or format. Instead, they’re typically shorter. This is because they’re designed to be read quickly and easily, not slowly and carefully.
Memos can be used for a variety of purposes, but they’re often used to communicate simple information or instructions internally within an organization. For example, a memo might be used to announce a policy change or to remind employees of an upcoming deadline.
Here’s an example of a memo written in an informal style:
Subject: Change in Office Hours Hi everyone, Just a quick heads up that we’ll be changing our office hours starting next week. The new hours will be 9 am-5 pm. Please let me know if you have any questions. Best, [Your Name]
Wrapping up
Technical writing is a field that is growing rapidly. With ever-changing technology, there is always a need for someone who can communicate complex information in a way that is easy to understand. As a technical writer, you will have the opportunity to work with different teams and learn new technologies while also being able to use your creativity to make complex topics more relatable. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, then technical writing may be the perfect fit for you.