Back to the Future – Simplified Technical English
For many years I’ve regarded Simplified Technical English as an outdated legacy from the Aerospace industry. But that opinion has changed radically in the last few weeks and I’m becoming a big fan.
The ideal office setup for technical writers
The most important tool for a modern-day technical writer is the computer. Advances in computing power have allowed technical communicators across every industry to create and manage bigger, more complex and more visual projects, whether that is online help systems
A shortcut to technical writing success
As a busy technical writer, I like to work efficiently. This means optimising the use of my keyboard and mouse, for example by using keyboard shortcuts and right-clicks. I find it a little odd that I can remember so many
Technical Author? What’s that then?
“So, Lynne what do you do for a living?” “Oh, I work as a technical author.” “Really? What’s that?” “I write help guides for software applications.” “You must be very clever. I’m useless with computers!”
A technical writer’s character traits
“What makes a good technical writer?” … a question frequently asked on Armada’s Technical Writing, RoboHelp, FrameMaker and Flare training courses, particularly those relatively new to technical writing. The answer, of course, cannot be both concise and comprehensive, though below
Using social media to your advantage
Social media as we know it has blossomed from the early days of Friendster and Bebo to the ever-present Facebook and Twitter. It’s important for every technical writer to take advantage of tools that can help your output and productivity.
Technical authors have problems too
I have worked as a technical author for nearly four years and have had to climb a steep learning curve. Today I am going to share with you a few of the common problems that I have encountered along the
Accessibility of documentation
The intention of a technical writer is usually to inform, guide, instruct or perhaps persuade your audience. This requires that the documents you produce are easy to read and interpret by all those who need access to them. They must have
5 free tools for technical writing
Sometimes, it seems like being involved in technical writing is like acting as a circus performer. Ok, so we don’t have to walk across any tightropes or perform any acrobatics, but we often have to juggle many roles at the
Technical writing – science or art?
It’s a question we hear sporadically here at Armada on the Technical Writing, RoboHelp, FrameMaker and Flare training courses we run – do we class the profession we’re in as science or art? Are technical authors scientists or artists? Some people