In today's world we are surrounded by computers which run everything from manufacturing processes to tracking shares on the Stock Market. Each of these applications is likely to be complex enough that the user will need a book to tell them how the software works and what it can do. Writing software documentation might be done by the person who wrote the program, but large applications may require a technical author to produce the final manual.
A technical writer can take the technical world of programmers and designers and translate that into something the average person can understand. They can explain the usage of the application so that a novice user can navigate menus and interfaces required to do their job. Many programmers are unable to achieve this as they write from the viewpoint of a techie rather than the end user.
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.
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.
It is important for the author to know who the audience for the manual will be. A manual containing a lot of jargon and technical terms if of very little use to an end user with little or no computer knowledge. Conversely one which explained too simply would not suit IT specialists who need to know the inner workings of an application.
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.
Another method of writing software documentation is to have the programmer, user and writer collaborate. This means the end user can have input, while the programmer knows the information is technically correct. The end result should be a document that everyone can be happy with. A good software manual should be written so that is gives all necessary information about the product while being easy to read and understand.
A technical writer can take the technical world of programmers and designers and translate that into something the average person can understand. They can explain the usage of the application so that a novice user can navigate menus and interfaces required to do their job. Many programmers are unable to achieve this as they write from the viewpoint of a techie rather than the end user.
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.
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.
It is important for the author to know who the audience for the manual will be. A manual containing a lot of jargon and technical terms if of very little use to an end user with little or no computer knowledge. Conversely one which explained too simply would not suit IT specialists who need to know the inner workings of an application.
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.
Another method of writing software documentation is to have the programmer, user and writer collaborate. This means the end user can have input, while the programmer knows the information is technically correct. The end result should be a document that everyone can be happy with. A good software manual should be written so that is gives all necessary information about the product while being easy to read and understand.
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