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.
There are many everyday programs which are self-explanatory and require little or no documentation. In the world of gaming it is mostly the case that the game itself teaches the user. As the player progresses through various game levels more complex aspects are introduced in the form of tips or tricks. Obviously this would not be a good way to explain running a power generating station.
A good technical author will look at the application from the viewpoint of "how do I do this" and write simple easy to understand instructions for performing each of the functions of the software. They normally follow certain standard formats for manuals which start with initiation and setup through each function to trouble shooting and problem solving. They will also write to the specification of the company so that the final manual is in their style.
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.
All documentation should ideally be clearly laid out, concise and flow logically. The format and size of the finished manual is often determined by the complexity of the application. Some user documentation is extremely lengthy while others might be just a couple of pages of text.
Regardless of the eventual format or size, a user needs to know some basics. These are the same whatever the application and include starting the app, using its functionality and trouble shooting in the event of problems. Whether the final manual is in print or online form, including menu diagrams and screen shots can be very helpful.
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.
There are many everyday programs which are self-explanatory and require little or no documentation. In the world of gaming it is mostly the case that the game itself teaches the user. As the player progresses through various game levels more complex aspects are introduced in the form of tips or tricks. Obviously this would not be a good way to explain running a power generating station.
A good technical author will look at the application from the viewpoint of "how do I do this" and write simple easy to understand instructions for performing each of the functions of the software. They normally follow certain standard formats for manuals which start with initiation and setup through each function to trouble shooting and problem solving. They will also write to the specification of the company so that the final manual is in their style.
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.
All documentation should ideally be clearly laid out, concise and flow logically. The format and size of the finished manual is often determined by the complexity of the application. Some user documentation is extremely lengthy while others might be just a couple of pages of text.
Regardless of the eventual format or size, a user needs to know some basics. These are the same whatever the application and include starting the app, using its functionality and trouble shooting in the event of problems. Whether the final manual is in print or online form, including menu diagrams and screen shots can be very helpful.
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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