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.
Many systems these days have very intuitive interfaces which require almost no documentation. Games particularly are designed so that the player learns as they go along. Early levels teach you the basics of the game and hints or tricks are introduced along the way. This technique however cannot be applied for example in running 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.
A writer needs to know who the end user will be for the documentation. If the manual contains too much technical information it is useless to a non-techie. One which is too simplistic is of little use to IT professionals who might need it for support purposes. The writer needs to pitch the text at the right level for the target audience.
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.
Many systems these days have very intuitive interfaces which require almost no documentation. Games particularly are designed so that the player learns as they go along. Early levels teach you the basics of the game and hints or tricks are introduced along the way. This technique however cannot be applied for example in running 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.
A writer needs to know who the end user will be for the documentation. If the manual contains too much technical information it is useless to a non-techie. One which is too simplistic is of little use to IT professionals who might need it for support purposes. The writer needs to pitch the text at the right level for the target audience.
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.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.writers2hire.com for more helpful information about Tips For Writing Software Documentation For End Users
No comments:
Post a Comment