Almost all companies in the modern world use computers to aid their business whether it be stocks and shares or building cars. In most instances a user manual is needed so that the person working the software can get the best from the program. Writing software documentation can be the job of the programmer, but a technical author might be needed to produce the best results.
Technical authors can bridge the gap between the techie world of the designers and programmers and the layman who is likely to use the application. Their job is to explain the workings of the program in such a way that someone who has never used the program before can easily find their way through the menus or user interface. It is a skill that many programmers lack as their approach to the application is often from the coder's viewpoint rather than someone who needs to do a job with the finished product.
In the world of computer games, the game itself teaches the user as they go along, obviating the need for a manual. These self-teaching games show the gamer what to do as levels get progressively more difficult. Pop ups with tips and tricks and tutorials drive the player forward. This method however is not realistic when the software controls a power station.
Good technical writers usually explore the application from the standpoint of a user who needs to do a job and then writes easily understood instructions for the user to follow. The often adhere to certain standards for format and content which takes the user from startup to problem solving via the core functions. They will write in a style and tone which is specified by the company so the manual reflects their overall image.
The final audience for the book must be taken into consideration at all times. A very different style needs to be employed for technical readers who may need to use the manual to provide support than for non-techies who are perhaps just using the app for their job. The author has to keep the tone right for the target reader.
Any manual should be clear, concise and laid out so that the information flows in a logical manner. The complexity of the application will often determine the size and format of the final document. A very simple menu system might only require a few pages while a very specialized interface might need a tome the size of War and Peace.
However large or small the finished article, it must cover all the basic information which a user will need. They must be able to start the app, use all its functions correctly and know where to turn if things go wrong. Inclusion of pictorials showing menus, screen shots or other helpful diagrams is extremely helpful and works well in online and printed documents.
Writing software documentation can also be a collaboration between the programmer, the user and a specialist writer. In this way everyone should be happy with the finished document. The programmer knows that all the functionality is covered and the writer can convert tech-speak to words suitable for the intended audience. Good documentation should be easy to read while giving complete information on the product.
Technical authors can bridge the gap between the techie world of the designers and programmers and the layman who is likely to use the application. Their job is to explain the workings of the program in such a way that someone who has never used the program before can easily find their way through the menus or user interface. It is a skill that many programmers lack as their approach to the application is often from the coder's viewpoint rather than someone who needs to do a job with the finished product.
In the world of computer games, the game itself teaches the user as they go along, obviating the need for a manual. These self-teaching games show the gamer what to do as levels get progressively more difficult. Pop ups with tips and tricks and tutorials drive the player forward. This method however is not realistic when the software controls a power station.
Good technical writers usually explore the application from the standpoint of a user who needs to do a job and then writes easily understood instructions for the user to follow. The often adhere to certain standards for format and content which takes the user from startup to problem solving via the core functions. They will write in a style and tone which is specified by the company so the manual reflects their overall image.
The final audience for the book must be taken into consideration at all times. A very different style needs to be employed for technical readers who may need to use the manual to provide support than for non-techies who are perhaps just using the app for their job. The author has to keep the tone right for the target reader.
Any manual should be clear, concise and laid out so that the information flows in a logical manner. The complexity of the application will often determine the size and format of the final document. A very simple menu system might only require a few pages while a very specialized interface might need a tome the size of War and Peace.
However large or small the finished article, it must cover all the basic information which a user will need. They must be able to start the app, use all its functions correctly and know where to turn if things go wrong. Inclusion of pictorials showing menus, screen shots or other helpful diagrams is extremely helpful and works well in online and printed documents.
Writing software documentation can also be a collaboration between the programmer, the user and a specialist writer. In this way everyone should be happy with the finished document. The programmer knows that all the functionality is covered and the writer can convert tech-speak to words suitable for the intended audience. Good documentation should be easy to read while giving complete information on the product.
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