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Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-28T05:22:47Z

HRoney: /* Accessibility */ added info

'''Technical Writing in the Digital Age''' represents the dynamic and evolving discipline of creating written materials that convey complex information, instructions, and technical concepts in the context of contemporary digital technologies. Its purview encompasses the creation, dissemination, and management of technical documents and content within an expansive digital landscape. Connected networks of workstations, laptops, cell phones, tablets, and servers are the central nervous system in the technical workplace.

Major considerations revolve around adapting traditional principles of rhetoric to digital platforms, ensuring effective communication in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. Key factors include integrating multimedia elements, user-centered design principles, and ethical considerations like accessibility and inclusivity. This discipline also extends to collaborative writing processes and version control systems, acknowledging the necessity of teamwork in producing accurate and up-to-date technical documentation. The use of multi-modality and the interfacing of multiple media platforms and sources also plays a role in digital technical writing. In essence, technical writing in the digital age encapsulates the art and science of conveying technical information in a manner that is comprehensible and accessible to diverse audiences in our digitally driven society.

==Overview==

=== Aims of Technical Communication ===
As much as technical communication is a discipline in and of itself, it also exists within many other disciplines. Examples of technical communication communities can be found among such varied fields as education, business, and science. Technical documentation within any domain typically embodies a similar aim: to help its audience act toward some sort of task or goal.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}}

=== Characteristics of Technical Communication ===
Because technical communication is intended to guide an audience, it must be assembled in such a way that it is easily understood. Successful technical documentation is accurate, logically sound, and appropriate.{{sfn|Perelman|1998}} Communication can be said to be accurate in two different understandings: accurate in description and accurate in content. Accurate descriptions are easy to understand. Accurate content provides for the intended result. Communication that is delivered logically is well-organized and clear and can be approached in a manner that will be coherent for most users. Technical information that is appropriate contains elements and steps that are suitable for the intended purpose and audience.

==Historical Context==
===Technical Writing Profession ===
Joseph P. Chapline is considered to be one of the first technical writers, having written in 1949 the first ever user manual for the Binary Automatic Computer (BINAC), an early personal computer.{{sfn|Malone|2008}} In the 1950s, technical writing as a distinct profession began to take shape when technical writers founded formal organizations, academic programs, and conferences dedicated to the art. One of these key writing associations was the Association of Technical Writers and Editors, also formed in the 1950s. Several of these groups eventually merged, forming the Society of Technical Communication in 1960.{{sfn|Malone|2011|pp=285-306}}

The need for paperwork ushered in by World War II served as the driving force for the technical writing profession in the United States.{{sfn|Rathbone|1958}} This was a time years before the computer and photocopier became common office equipment. During this period, the role of the technical writer revolved solely around words, and their primary work tools consisted of either a pencil or ink pen and paper. The technical writer would draft the document by hand and a typist or clerical worker would then use a typewriter to transfer the writer's words into a finished document.

Advances in technology thrust the technical writing profession into a new era. The work of the technical writer may now also include not only text, but also images, drawings, and computer-based media. The current role of the technical writer is not only to write, but they may also be involved in research and information gathering, speaking with technical experts, and selecting document mediums and project tools.{{sfn|Macari|2023}}

The projects of today's technical writers can be as varied as writing instructions to assemble a living room chair to creating websites.{{sfn|Grimstead|1999}} The titles of today's technical writers may vary as well. They may be referred to by names as diverse as information architects to documentation specialists.{{sfn|Grimstead|1999}}

==Features of Technical Communication==
Technical communication involves conveying complex information to a specific audience. Key features include accuracy, attention to detail, visuals, and clear and concise organization to enhance user understanding.{{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

=== Accuracy ===

==== Standards Compliant ====
Many technical fields have industry-specific regulations and guidelines which are determined by governing bodies and that also have an impact on their technical communication. Furthermore, many organizations may have a style guide that outlines preferred language usage, tone, and formatting.{{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

==== Detailed ====
Accurate information that is delivered with precision and specificity is essential to providing communication that is unambiguous and free of discrepancies.{{sfn|Smirti|2022}} Technical communication should be free of errors and inconsistencies.

==== Objective ====
Objective communication is presented in an unbiased and impartial manner and is free of personal opinions. It relies upon facts and evidence and avoids an overly emotional tone. This approach is particularly important in fields where accuracy and impartiality are essential.{{sfn|Detwiler|2021}}

===== Clear and Concise =====
Technical communication should be logically organized, straightforward, and easily understood by the target audience. The language used should avoid needless jargon and be written in a manner that avoids redundant word usage and/or excessive explanations.{{sfn|Smirti|2022}}{{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

=== Soundness ===

==== Formatted and Organized ====
Technical documents should be formatted in a way that is consistent with the norms and standards of applicable professional fields. Additionally, formatting should adhere to guidelines that enhance usability. Information should be logically organized for easy reading comprehension. This may involve using headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists. Formatting details should remain consistent throughout the document.{{sfn|Smirti|2022}}{{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

==== Graphical ====
Technical communication utilizes visuals strategically to facilitate understanding of textual content. Visuals such as diagrams, charts, graphs, or images can enhance understanding of a technical document. When presented properly, visuals can explain difficult concepts and make material accessible to a more diverse audience.{{sfn|AI and the LinkedIn Community|2023}}

=== Appropriateness ===

==== Audience-specific ====
Where possible, technical communication should be customized to align with the knowledge and needs of its audience. Communication style and tone should be tailored to match the audience's level of expertise and should take into consideration such factors as the users' technical background, familiarity with the subject, and specific requirements.{{sfn|Viral Nation|2019}} The tone sets the overall mood for the piece.

====Document Design====
Documents' appropriateness requires that readers can quickly understand the message of the document. The document should be of appropriate style and length for the readers' needs.

==Personas in Digital Writing==
Personas in the context of digital writing, which is writing composed, created and read in digital environments, refer to semi-fictional characters that encapsulate the characteristics, behaviors, and needs of target audience segments. They align closely with the principles of user-centered design (UCD).{{sfn|Lucas|2023a}} There are myriad ways to integrate user-centered thinking into the creative process of UX design, and personas are one of the most effective ways to empathize with and analyze users.{{sfn|Goltz|2014}}

Personas may guide the creation of documentation and tutorials catering to different user needs. It is crucial to adjust the language and tone to match the persona preference. Different personas can influence and guide the design of the project.

==Rhetorical Strategies in the Digital Age==
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetoric Rhetoric] is a communication strategy whose primary goal is to persuade an audience. It is grounded in three foundational concepts first defined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. These concepts are ''logos'', which engages with the reader’s sense of logic or reason; ''pathos'', which appeals to the reader’s emotions; and ''ethos'', which addresses the audience’s values and the writer’s credibility. Within this framework, writers utilize specific techniques or devices to influence and engage readers. Examples include appealing to an audience’s sense of logic by using factual examples to support a point or evoking emotion through descriptive visual language.{{sfn|Gagich|Zickel|n.d.|pp=34-37}}

In today’s digital age, writers can use digital technologies as rhetorical devices to influence the reader. Electronic images and informational graphics can be incorporated into digital and online documents to illustrate or reinforce points made in the text.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}} Hyperlinks can provide access to additional information that supports authors’ ideas and enhances their credibility.{{sfn|Lucas|2023g|}} Nevertheless, the writer's basic task of informing and persuading an audience is the same in digital communication as in other forms of writing.{{sfn|DeVoss|National Writing Project|Eidman-Aadahl|Hicks|2010|p=105}}

Digital writers must therefore consider specific elements that compose the rhetorical context in which texts are created and delivered. Such elements may include evaluating the demographics, habits, and needs of an intended audience; determining the overall objective of the communications; and deciding what technologies will be used to create the content. Together, this analysis allows writers to craft messages that both appeal to and inform the target audience. In the digital age, such rhetorical messages may be conveyed through websites, social media, and other digital platforms.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|pp=6-14}}

==Digital Technologies Tools==
With the rise of digital technology, technical writing has had to adapt to the needs of a digital era. The predominant impact of such a revolution was that it made technical communication more accessible by increasing the breadth of its viewers. The World Wide Web is public and can be accessed by anyone with access to the Internet. Such a phenomenon can be exploited to increase the audience of a virtual document.

Technical writers can use various tools to author and present their documents.

====Content Management Systems (CMS)====
A content management system (CMS) is a software application that allows users to create, manage, and modify digital content on a website. It provides a user-friendly interface and tools to easily organize, publish, and update content, including text, images, videos, and documents. Additionally, CMSs often offer features like user permissions, version control, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to enhance the overall website management experience.{{sfn|Carroll|2006|p=129}} Some popular examples of CMS include [https://wordpress.com/ WordPress], [https://www.wix.com/ Wix], and [https://www.blogger.com/about/?bpli=1 Blogger].

====Image Processing Software====
Image processing software plays a valuable role in technical and digital writing by facilitating the creation and enhancement of visuals. Documentation and tutorials help optimize images to convey processes or procedures effectively. Whether for screen captures illustrating software interfaces, data visualizations, or graphics for digital content, image processing tools contribute to creating clear and visually appealing materials.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=664}} These tools, such as [https://www.adobe.com/ Adobe] and [https://www.canva.com/ Canva], enhance the visual impact of technical and digital writing, ensuring that images are optimized, informative, and engaging for the audience.

====Word Processors ====
Word processors are software applications designed for creating, editing, and formatting documents on a computer. They provide many features, such as spell-checking, grammar-checking, and inserting images and tables. These programs are typically used for writing essays, creating reports, or drafting professional documents.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=229}} Some popular software applications are [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word Microsoft Word], [https://www.google.com/docs/about/ Google Docs][https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration , SharePoint], and [https://www.apple.com/pages/ Apple Pages]. These programs allow documents to be readily disseminated. Comment capability enables audience members to interact about a document with one another and the author.

==== Text Editors====
Text editors are fundamental technical and digital writing tools, offering a platform for creating and manipulating plain text files. They are indispensable for programming tasks, providing syntax highlighting and code folding features. Text editors are commonly used to write code, markup languages (HTML, XML, Markdown), and edit configuration files.{{sfn|Godson|p=37-41}} Notable examples include [https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/windows-notepad/9MSMLRH6LZF3?hl=en-US&gl=US Notepad] (Windows), [https://support.apple.com/guide/textedit/welcome/mac TextEdit] (macOS), and [https://notepad-plus-plus.org/ Notepad++]. Whether for programmers, writers, or system administrators, text editors play a crucial role in content creation and technical work.

== Technical Documents ==
Technical writing encompasses various genres and styles, influenced by the information and discourse communities. Not all technical documents are produced by technical writers, as professionals produce various technical documents.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=32}}

Common types of technical communication include:{{sfn|Mussack|2021}}

==== Case Studies ====
Case studies are a form of empirical or observational research that consists of in-depth examination of distinct individuals, groups, events, or scenarios. This research can be used to generate qualitative or quantitative data.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=401-404}}

==== Data Sheets ====
A data sheet, also known as a technical datasheet, is a document used to describe and summarize the characteristics of a product, material, component, or technology.{{sfn|IDA|2020|p=}}

====Descriptions====
Descriptions are concise explanations of procedures and processes that assist readers in understanding how something works. Product descriptions and process descriptions are the two main types of technical descriptions.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=443-453}}

*Product: provides detailed information about a specific item, including its features, specifications, and benefits.
*Process: provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform a particular task or achieve a specific outcome.

==== Documentation ====
Documentation comprises various texts that allow users to accomplish tasks or gain information. It generally falls into three categories, which can be defined as follows:
* Instructions: Text that describes how to complete a task, often offering numbered steps. Examples include how to download software or assemble a product.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=167}}
* Specifications: Communications that deliver technical details on how a product is put together or a specific operation is executed. Also known as "specs," these texts may be written by engineers or technicians.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}
* Procedures and Protocols: Guidelines to ensure consistency, quality, and safety in the workplace. For example, a hospital may provide staff with procedures on how to adapt operations during an emergency, such as a power outage.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}

==== Email ====
Emails are the primary form of communication in the workplace, used for both internal and external communication. They facilitate information exchange, idea exchange, and activity coordination.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=335}} Emails should be brief, concise, readable, and targeted to specific audiences with specific subject lines.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=348}}

==== Letters ====
Letters are a traditional form of communication most often used by employees to communicate with individuals outside of a company or organization. They are typically written on company letterhead. Today, letters are sent either by U.S. mail or electronically.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=139}}

==== Memos ====
A memo (short for memorandum) is an official communication, usually a message from the company, a manager or director, or another person or group acting in an official capacity, used to communicate with others within the same organization.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=353}}

==== Press Releases ====
A press release can be an announcement or recent news that is distributed to media outlets from a company, with intentions on spreading the information to the general public. A press release can be called a press-statement, news release or media release.{{sfn|Pradhan|2021}}

==== Proposals ====
A proposal is a document that identifies an existing problem or opportunity and outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing it. Organizations create ''internal'' proposals to describe programs and projects that meet specific operational needs, such as a plan to replace an outdated software system. Companies develop ''external'' proposals for potential customers or clients. These documents detail new products, services, or initiatives that a company will implement to address a specific customer concern.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=245}}

==== Reports ====
A report is a concise, easily understandable document that presents technical information in a clear, organized format, allowing readers to access varying levels of information. Reports are categorized as informal, such as briefs, and formal, such as research, scientific, and completion reports.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|loc=chpt 10 & 11}}

===== Informal or Brief Reports =====
Informal or brief reports provide an objective overview of an organization's current state, past events, and future plans, ensuring that readers are well-informed about the organization's operations. Some examples include{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=285-288}}:

* Progress Reports are used to inform management about the progress or status of a project.
* White papers and Briefings educate management or clients about important issues.
* Incident Reports objectively focus on presenting facts relating to an accident or irregular occurrence.
* Laboratory Reports describe experiments, tests, or inspections.

===== Formal Reports =====
A formal report is a factual and data-driven response to a research question.
* Research reports present the findings of a study.
* Scientific research reports outline the process, progress, and results of technical or scientific research or the current state of a research problem.
* Completion reports assess the outcomes of a project or initiative and provide feedback to management or the client.

==== Resumes ====
Resumes offer an overview of an individual’s educational credentials and professional experience and often are used to demonstrate an applicant’s qualifications to potential employers.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=100}} They may be organized in various ways, but two common approaches are chronologically and by skills.

Chronological resumes demonstrate the sequence of education and employment history and detail a person’s tasks, responsibilities, and achievements in each successive role.

Skills resumes provide employment history, but the primary focus is to highlight how an individual applied distinct skills and experiences across various professional positions.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019|pp=411-412}}

==== User guides ====
A user guide is an instructional manual created to help consumers use the product, service or system. A user guide typically includes step-by-step instructions.{{Sfn|Wainaina|2022}}

==Search Engine Optimization (SEO)==
SEO refers to the practice of optimizing online content to enhance its visibility and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs), making it a crucial skill for digital writers.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize content for SEO means to have the goal of SEO in mind at the time of designing, creating, and writing a web page for publication. Using keywords and alt-text are two examples of optimizing content for SEO.{{sfn|Barr|2010|loc=chpt. 17}}

===Keywords===
Keywords are the words that search engines crawl a website for and index as the page's most important words. Based on other pages using the same keywords, the website is added into the search engine results pages from best matches to worst matches. The position of a website in search results is influenced by where it ranks on a scale determined by the keywords that a user searches for.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize a website's keywords, you should begin with researching keywords on your own website and ensure that you have an XML [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitemaps sitemap] so search engines such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google Google] can crawl your web pages for updated information. In addition to using keywords, updating a page's metadata information can also help with showing up on SERPs. Using title and header tags as well as meta descriptions for content also helps optimize a website's ratings in SERPs.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

===Alt-Text===
Alt-Text (alternative text), or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute Alt Attributes], is a practice that increases the usability and accessibility of a web page for users. Alt-Text is often used for visual elements that cannot be displayed in a different format but still provides description of the element for screen readers or users that may have a disability. Alt-Text also improves a website's SEO as a form of content optimization.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

===Social Media Presence===
Sharing content from a website across different social media platforms is another way to create SEO optimization. This technique can help with being seen as legitimate and improves visibility of the website overall. Additionally, it can drive traffic and enables back-linking to occur when other websites have the ability to also link to the website.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Goals of Searching: The User's Perspective===
A user of search engines formulates queries by using keywords or posing questions. One of the most important elements of building an SEO strategy for a website is developing a thorough understanding of the psychology of your target audience and how they use words and concepts to obtain information about the services and/or products you provide. Once you understand how the average search engine user—and, more specifically, your target audience—utilizes query-based search engines, you can more effectively reach and keep those users.{{sfn|Enge|Spencer|Stricchiola|2022|p=9}}

==Digital Documentation ==
Digital documentation is the conversion of physical documents into digital files, enabling easier access, retrieval, and sharing of information. It includes features like searchability, version control, and security measures to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.{{sfn|Lucas|2014}}

===Characteristics of Digital Documents===

====Electronic Format ====
Digital documents exist in electronic formats, which means they are stored and transmitted as binary data. This format allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and transmission of information via electronic devices.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}} Digital documentation is the only method to meet a critical challenge of the relatively new concept of "knowledge management" that applies to all organizations. A digital knowledge management system is crucial to an organization so everyone can access information created by employees who are no longer with the organization or to allow cross-referencing with other seemingly unrelated departments.{{sfn|IBM}}

====Non-Tangible====
Unlike paper documents, digital documents lack physical presence. They are intangible and exist as electronic files, residing on devices or in the cloud.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Accessibility ====
Website content should be designed in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access the same information as those without disabilities.{{sfn|WAI|2022}} It is a legal requirement to include accessibility features in website design.{{sfn|WCAG|2023}} It is also ethically imperative to make sure there is accessibility in digital writing. There are four different types of impairment that can affect how a user interacts and perceives digital documents: vision, mobility, auditory, and cognitive.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=42}} Digital documents will need to be optimized so that information can be accessed by hardware and software tools used by people with disabilities.{{sfn|Barr|2010|pp=103-104}} Accessibility broadens the reach of digital content and reaches a wider audience. This is important for technical writers, as their documentation and instructions are critical resources for users of varied abilities.

====Readability====
Digital documents rely on the "Seven Cs" of precise writing to be effective and increase readability. Forms of technical writing must have readability. Readability is a term used to determine whether the content has clarity, conciseness and courtesy.{{sfn|Zeleznik|Burnett|Benson|1999|p=207}} The other four Cs are coherent, concrete, correct and complete.{{sfn|Last|2019}}

====Scannability====
A document's scannability is determined by the ease in which it can be scanned to determine meaning. Readers often scan pages for words and phrases that align with their task or interests, as well as for trigger words that are deeply ingrained.{{sfn|Krug|2014|p=23}} The most effective web content is concise and simple to scan, making it easy for users to find the important information. Breaking up text into interesting, easy-to-read sections helps users quickly find information.{{sfn|Barr|2010|p=103}} Ways to improve a document's scannability include implementing visual elements, white space, concise language, highlighting, and emphasis.

====Ease of Reproduction and Distribution====
Digital documents are easily copied and distributed. They can be duplicated without any loss of quality, making it simple to share information widely and at minimal cost.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Hyperlinking ====
Hyperlinking is a quick and efficient method for directing readers to relevant information in digital documents, facilitating seamless navigation between sections, references, and external resources.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=79}}

====Multimedia====
Digital documents can incorporate multimedia elements like images, audio, video, and interactive content, enhancing engagement through visual and auditory elements. Multiple media formats work best when sharing new, complicated ideas.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=36}} Increasing multimodality on a website improves engagement, usability, and accessibility. This can improve the impact of the website's standings in SERPs.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

====Version Control====
Version control is a characteristic of digital documents that allows for the tracking of edits and revisions to digital documents. In collaborative writing, version control helps maintain the document with accountability and transparency.{{sfn|Lucas|2023d}}

====Remote Collaboration====
One form of collaborative technical writing is a wiki, which is a "website developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content."{{sfn|Lucas|2021}} One of the predominant elements of a wiki is that it is defined as being open source. As a result, anyone can modify it regardless of their geographic locations.

====Security Measures====
Digital documents can be protected with encryption, passwords, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information. These security measures enhance data protection and privacy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Environmental Impact====
Digital documents have a smaller environmental footprint compared to paper documents, as they reduce the need for paper production, printing, and transportation.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Dynamic Updates====
Online digital documents can be updated dynamically, ensuring that users always have access to the most current information. This is particularly valuable in fast-changing fields.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Global Accessibility====
Digital documents can be shared globally, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones. They support international collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge on a global scale.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Data Integration====
In business and research settings, digital documents can integrate with databases and data analysis tools. This integration streamlines data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Data Analytics ====
Digital documents can be subjected to data analytics techniques, allowing organizations to extract valuable insights from large volumes of textual data, which can inform decision-making and strategy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==Examples of Digital Documents==
In technical and professional writing, digital documentation takes various forms. These methods streamline the sharing of technical information, enhance collaboration, and ensure easy accessibility within professional settings, contributing to efficient communication and knowledge dissemination.

====Infographics====
Infographics, shared as digital documents, typically combine text, graphics, and illustrations to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing format. Infographics are often used to simplify information, making it more accessible to a broader audience, and are found in presentations, reports, websites, and educational materials.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=292-293}}

====Presentations====
Presentations created with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint PowerPoint] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Slides Google Slides] are vital for professional communication and knowledge sharing. They condense complex information into visually appealing slides for effective presentations by using photos, videos, graphics, charts, and graphs.{{sfn|Parkinson|2018|loc=chpt. 4}}

==== Blogs====
A blog, short for "weblog," is an informational website organized into short articles called posts, typically chronologically ordered series of website updates, written and organized similar to a traditional diary.{{sfn|Bair|2014|p=7}} They are regularly updated, providing readers with insights on a specific topic or subject. Blogs serve various purposes, including sharing opinions, providing news, offering educational content, and documenting personal experiences.{{sfn|Rose|Garret|2012|p=2}}

==User Experience==
User experience (UX) is how a product works from the perspective of the user. Digital documents can be created with efficient user experiences by practicing several design methods, including user-centered design, information architecture, responsive design, and usability.

===User-Centered Design===
The approach of user-centered design (UCD) in technical writing consists of the following methodology{{sfn|Lucas|2023e}}:

====User Research====
User research is the act of conducting thorough research through surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gain a better understanding of user needs and experiences when using a digital document.

==== Ideation and Prototyping====
Ideation and prototyping refers to the process of creating digital designs and prototypes to assist with exploring possible solutions to meet user needs.

====Usability Testing====
Usability testing refers to the act of having users interact with digital document designs and recording and adjusting the design based on user feedback.

====Implementation====
Implementation is the stage in which the design is implemented after making adjustments from prior testing.

====Evaluation====
Evaluation refers to the stage in which the digital document is assessed to ensure that it is meeting user needs.

====Maintenance and Updates====
Maintenance and updates are required in order to maintain a digital document based on user feedback and changing needs.

===Information Architecture===

To ensure a digital document has effective UX design and accessible information, technical writers need to construct a clear and organized information architecture (IA). IA is a design principle that organizes information so that it is easily found and understood by users, prioritizing their needs and reducing information overload. A design challenge is making IA understood across multiple digital experiences, changing the navigation structure to fit different medias while staying logical and consistent for the user.{{sfn|Rosenfeld|pp=1, 17-18}} IA that is not constructed well can confuse the user and could cause them to give up their search of information in frustration.{{sfn|Garrand|pp=12}}

The architecture components of IA can be divided into four different categories:{{sfn|Rosenfeld|pp=90}}

*Organization systems: how information is categorized and organized for user understanding

*Labeling systems: how information is represented

*Navigation systems: how users browse information and navigate between pages

*Searching systems: how users search for specific information

=== Responsive Design ===

Responsive design is a strategy that appropriately updates the layout and content of a website or document in relation to the screen size, device, and/or orientation, allowing the site or document to be easily viewed and navigated regardless of device used. With the increased use of mobile devices, web content should be constructed with proper responsive web design (RWD) to ensure effective UX and usability on those devices.{{sfn|Robbins| pp=485}}

There are several design strategies that can be implemented that will increase the success of RWD:{{sfn|Robbins| pp=487}}

*Fluid layout – Responsive sites can be constructed using a fluid layout (or flexible grid) system that will allow content to adjust and flow according to the available screen space.

*Flexible and responsive images – Images and other embedded media can be instructed so that they fit their containers instead of remaining at a fixed size. Images with varying resolutions can also be swapped according to screen size to avoid high-resolution images on smaller devices.

*CSS media queries – Media queries can be written into the CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), which would instruct the construction of the site according to screen width and orientation. Adding breakpoints for several screen sizes allows pages to be designed for specific devices.

*Content hierarchy – Carefully constructing content that is organized for the user and creating a hierarchy of content that prioritizes user needs is necessary to ensure effective user experience and navigation across multiple screen sizes.{{sfn|Robbins| pp=499}}

===Usability===

Technical writers must create documents and websites that meet the expectations of their readers and users, and in doing so, writers increase the usability of their site or document.{{sfn|Garrand|pp=26}} Usability can be applied with visual aids, clear and concise language, and structured design.

==Ethical Considerations==
In technical workplaces, resolving ethical dilemmas will be part of one's job. Resources, time, and reputations are at stake, so one will feel pressure to overpromise, underdeliver, bend the rules, cook the numbers, or exaggerate results. Technical fields are also highly competitive, so people sometimes stretch a little further than they should. Ethical dilemmas can force one into situations in which all choices seem unsatisfactory.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=71-84}}

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world's oldest professional association dedicated to advancing the field of technical communication.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023a}} The STC promotes adherence to a list of ethical principles. They are legality, honesty, confidentiality, quality, fairness, and professionalism.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023b}}

Technical communicators also have to be careful to avoid plagiarism, or taking ideas, thoughts, or words from someone else and passing them off as one's own.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

Technical communicators have ethical standards to which they must abide. The standards are divided into three primary categories. They are the employer, the public, and the environment.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

===The Employer===
Obligations to one's employer include competence and diligence, honesty and candor, confidentiality, and loyalty.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} The technical communicator must adhere to these obligations so that he/she does not harm the reputation or operation of the employer.

Technical communicators may occasionally work for an organization with strict privacy policies that prohibit them from using the documents they create outside of the organization. It is important for ethical communicators to follow the privacy policy for their organization because unauthorized release of information could lead to consequences up to and including termination.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

=== The Public===
Organizations are obligated to treat customers fairly. Technical communicators must convey that the products or services an organization sells are safe and effective.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

===The Environment===
Technical communicators have an obligation to the environment. This obligation includes alerting their supervisors, managers, and executive leadership to products or processes that are detrimental to the environment. Protecting the environment can be costly, however, and organizations may consider ignoring legal guidelines to save money.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} Yet, failure to adhere to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations also has financial implications. For example, the penalty for mishandling hazardous waste is five years and/or up to $50,000 for each day of the violation.{{sfn|EPA|2023}}

=== Disinformation ===
One major ethical concern in all forms of writing, but especially in digital writing, is the creation and spread of disinformation. Disinformation, often referred to as "[[w:Fake news|fake news]]," is information that is purposefully spread as false or misleading and is a sub-type of misinformation.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|loc=section 3.7}} Modern communication technologies allow for the spread of information to occur at a fast pace. Social media is one area where the spread of disinformation occurs regularly.

Some social media sites, such as Facebook, have begun to flag certain articles posted on the site as being questionable in their representation of facts or occurrences. Despite the widespread understanding and use of disinformation available today, digital writers need to be aware of their intent and the audience's needs and wants from their digital communication.{{sfn|Lucas|2023f}} Ethical considerations regarding citing sources, cross-referencing information, and using primary sources are good practices for maintaining ethical standing and credibility as a digital writer.

To help mitigate the problem of disinformation, technical writers should utilize gatekeepers. These individuals verify the accuracy of the information before it is distributed to primary readers. This helps protect the author from any ethical and/or legal issues.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

==Pedagogical Approaches==
===Writing Styles===
Informal writing, such as some emailing, instant messaging, and texting, has crept into academic writing. In a study conducted by the Pew Internet & America Life Project, almost half of the respondents admitted to omitting proper punctuation and capitalization in their schoolwork. Others even used emoticons. Colleges and universities must now educate students on the different forms of written communication, and when best to employ them.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=20}}

===Multimedia Writing===
Best practices for tone, grammar, and style can vary depending on the form of media (auditory, visual, print, etc.), and many digital writings will combine two or more of these media formats. Students of technical writing may be taught specific techniques for different types of media in order to become proficient multimedia writers.{{sfn|Garrand|2006|p=23}}

===Breaking and Building===
Breaking and building is a method of teaching effective writing that can be applied to technical and digital formats. It asks students to curate collections of digital media by comparing and contrasting ("building"), and also to critically analyze these collections and attempt to reason out the decisions behind them ("breaking").{{sfn|Coco|2018|p=175}} Each process has a set of targeted learning outcomes. Learning outcomes for "building" include making and reflecting on choices to find, group, present, and compile digital content. Learning outcomes for "breaking" include identifying and critiquing decisions in curating existing digital content, such as where the content originated, how it is grouped, and how it is presented.{{sfn|Coco|2018|p=178-179}}

==Future Trends and Challenges==
=== Future Trends===
Between 2022 and 2032, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Labor_Statistics, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics] is projecting a 7% job growth for technical writers.{{sfn|United States Bureau of Labor Statistics|2023}} To be relevant as a technical writer in the digital age, one must possess the skills of conducting in-depth research, critical thinking, being detail oriented, design, and technical expertise. To succeed at communicating the complex to specific audiences, the technical writer must understand much of the subject in its complexity. This is accomplished through possessing the skills of communication, collaboration, and teamwork.{{sfn|Fechter|2023}}

===Challenges===
Among others, a prominent barrier to technical writers is the dependency on input information accuracy. Outdated, incorrect, or inconsistent data delays the publication, requires more reparative efforts, and decreases productivity.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}} Also, technical writers often have to contend with complex, outdated or unsuitable tools. This can make their job more difficult and time-consuming, and can lead to frustration and errors.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}}

===Artificial Intelligence===
Artificial intelligence programs, utilizing natural language processing, are capable of producing technical writing and have advanced in recent years becoming more adept.{{sfn|Marr|2023}}

One such program is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT ChatGPT], which uses machine learning to produce texts with human-like style and tone.{{sfn|University of Central Arkansas|2023}} Another leader in this area, Contentbot, uses a WordPress plugin which gives blog writers ideas to enhance their posts which are shared via email.{{sfn|Siddiqui|2022}}

===Plagiarism===
Because of the ability of chatbots to imitate human-like language, some education administrators have taken precautions to minimize the occurrence of students passing off artificially generated texts as their own. In some instances, educators have taken the view that material drawn from artificial intelligence software must be handled in the same way as sources from human authors.{{sfn|Klein|2023}} In such cases, students who incorporate artificially generated text into their work have been made to denote credit for the artificial intelligence program utilized.

===Credit ===
The advent of chatbots has complicated the issue of credit where creative work is concerned. Because chatbots can simulate human speech, their ability to create cinematic dialogues and other types of creative writing have threatened the credits and financial condition of professional writers. According to an article by Aaron Mok and Jacob Zinkula on ''[https://www.businessinsider.com/ Business Insider]'', writing jobs are among the top 10 roles that AI is most likely to replace.{{sfn|Mok|2023}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
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{{Refend}}

[[Category:Fall 2023]]
[[Category:ENGL 5106]]

Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-28T05:11:52Z

HRoney: /* Keywords */ grammar

'''Technical Writing in the Digital Age''' represents the dynamic and evolving discipline of creating written materials that convey complex information, instructions, and technical concepts in the context of contemporary digital technologies. Its purview encompasses the creation, dissemination, and management of technical documents and content within an expansive digital landscape. Connected networks of workstations, laptops, cell phones, tablets, and servers are the central nervous system in the technical workplace.

Major considerations revolve around adapting traditional principles of rhetoric to digital platforms, ensuring effective communication in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. Key factors include integrating multimedia elements, user-centered design principles, and ethical considerations like accessibility and inclusivity. This discipline also extends to collaborative writing processes and version control systems, acknowledging the necessity of teamwork in producing accurate and up-to-date technical documentation. The use of multi-modality and the interfacing of multiple media platforms and sources also plays a role in digital technical writing. In essence, technical writing in the digital age encapsulates the art and science of conveying technical information in a manner that is comprehensible and accessible to diverse audiences in our digitally driven society.

==Overview==

=== Aims of Technical Communication ===
As much as technical communication is a discipline in and of itself, it also exists within many other disciplines. Examples of technical communication communities can be found among such varied fields as education, business, and science. Technical documentation within any domain typically embodies a similar aim: to help its audience act toward some sort of task or goal.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}}

=== Characteristics of Technical Communication ===
Because technical communication is intended to guide an audience, it must be assembled in such a way that it is easily understood. Successful technical documentation is accurate, logically sound, and appropriate.{{sfn|Perelman|1998}} Communication can be said to be accurate in two different understandings: accurate in description and accurate in content. Accurate descriptions are easy to understand. Accurate content provides for the intended result. Communication that is delivered logically is well-organized and clear and can be approached in a manner that will be coherent for most users. Technical information that is appropriate contains elements and steps that are suitable for the intended purpose and audience.

==Historical Context==
===Technical Writing Profession ===
Joseph P. Chapline is considered to be one of the first technical writers, having written in 1949 the first ever user manual for the Binary Automatic Computer (BINAC), an early personal computer.{{sfn|Malone|2008}} In the 1950s, technical writing as a distinct profession began to take shape when technical writers founded formal organizations, academic programs, and conferences dedicated to the art. One of these key writing associations was the Association of Technical Writers and Editors, also formed in the 1950s. Several of these groups eventually merged, forming the Society of Technical Communication in 1960.{{sfn|Malone|2011|pp=285-306}}

The need for paperwork ushered in by World War II served as the driving force for the technical writing profession in the United States.{{sfn|Rathbone|1958}} This was a time years before the computer and photocopier became common office equipment. During this period, the role of the technical writer revolved solely around words, and their primary work tools consisted of either a pencil or ink pen and paper. The technical writer would draft the document by hand and a typist or clerical worker would then use a typewriter to transfer the writer's words into a finished document.

Advances in technology thrust the technical writing profession into a new era. The work of the technical writer may now also include not only text, but also images, drawings, and computer-based media. The current role of the technical writer is not only to write, but they may also be involved in research and information gathering, speaking with technical experts, and selecting document mediums and project tools.{{sfn|Macari|2023}}

The projects of today's technical writers can be as varied as writing instructions to assemble a living room chair to creating websites.{{sfn|Grimstead|1999}} The titles of today's technical writers may vary as well. They may be referred to by names as diverse as information architects to documentation specialists.{{sfn|Grimstead|1999}}

==Features of Technical Communication==
Technical communication involves conveying complex information to a specific audience. Key features include accuracy, attention to detail, visuals, and clear and concise organization to enhance user understanding.{{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

=== Accuracy ===

==== Standards Compliant ====
Many technical fields have industry-specific regulations and guidelines which are determined by governing bodies and that also have an impact on their technical communication. Furthermore, many organizations may have a style guide that outlines preferred language usage, tone, and formatting.{{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

==== Detailed ====
Accurate information that is delivered with precision and specificity is essential to providing communication that is unambiguous and free of discrepancies.{{sfn|Smirti|2022}} Technical communication should be free of errors and inconsistencies.

==== Objective ====
Objective communication is presented in an unbiased and impartial manner and is free of personal opinions. It relies upon facts and evidence and avoids an overly emotional tone. This approach is particularly important in fields where accuracy and impartiality are essential.{{sfn|Detwiler|2021}}

===== Clear and Concise =====
Technical communication should be logically organized, straightforward, and easily understood by the target audience. The language used should avoid needless jargon and be written in a manner that avoids redundant word usage and/or excessive explanations.{{sfn|Smirti|2022}}{{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

=== Soundness ===

==== Formatted and Organized ====
Technical documents should be formatted in a way that is consistent with the norms and standards of applicable professional fields. Additionally, formatting should adhere to guidelines that enhance usability. Information should be logically organized for easy reading comprehension. This may involve using headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists. Formatting details should remain consistent throughout the document.{{sfn|Smirti|2022}}{{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

==== Graphical ====
Technical communication utilizes visuals strategically to facilitate understanding of textual content. Visuals such as diagrams, charts, graphs, or images can enhance understanding of a technical document. When presented properly, visuals can explain difficult concepts and make material accessible to a more diverse audience.{{sfn|AI and the LinkedIn Community|2023}}

=== Appropriateness ===

==== Audience-specific ====
Where possible, technical communication should be customized to align with the knowledge and needs of its audience. Communication style and tone should be tailored to match the audience's level of expertise and should take into consideration such factors as the users' technical background, familiarity with the subject, and specific requirements.{{sfn|Viral Nation|2019}} The tone sets the overall mood for the piece.

====Document Design====
Documents' appropriateness requires that readers can quickly understand the message of the document. The document should be of appropriate style and length for the readers' needs.

==Personas in Digital Writing==
Personas in the context of digital writing, which is writing composed, created and read in digital environments, refer to semi-fictional characters that encapsulate the characteristics, behaviors, and needs of target audience segments. They align closely with the principles of user-centered design (UCD).{{sfn|Lucas|2023a}} There are myriad ways to integrate user-centered thinking into the creative process of UX design, and personas are one of the most effective ways to empathize with and analyze users.{{sfn|Goltz|2014}}

Personas may guide the creation of documentation and tutorials catering to different user needs. It is crucial to adjust the language and tone to match the persona preference. Different personas can influence and guide the design of the project.

==Rhetorical Strategies in the Digital Age==
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetoric Rhetoric] is a communication strategy whose primary goal is to persuade an audience. It is grounded in three foundational concepts first defined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. These concepts are ''logos'', which engages with the reader’s sense of logic or reason; ''pathos'', which appeals to the reader’s emotions; and ''ethos'', which addresses the audience’s values and the writer’s credibility. Within this framework, writers utilize specific techniques or devices to influence and engage readers. Examples include appealing to an audience’s sense of logic by using factual examples to support a point or evoking emotion through descriptive visual language.{{sfn|Gagich|Zickel|n.d.|pp=34-37}}

In today’s digital age, writers can use digital technologies as rhetorical devices to influence the reader. Electronic images and informational graphics can be incorporated into digital and online documents to illustrate or reinforce points made in the text.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}} Hyperlinks can provide access to additional information that supports authors’ ideas and enhances their credibility.{{sfn|Lucas|2023g|}} Nevertheless, the writer's basic task of informing and persuading an audience is the same in digital communication as in other forms of writing.{{sfn|DeVoss|National Writing Project|Eidman-Aadahl|Hicks|2010|p=105}}

Digital writers must therefore consider specific elements that compose the rhetorical context in which texts are created and delivered. Such elements may include evaluating the demographics, habits, and needs of an intended audience; determining the overall objective of the communications; and deciding what technologies will be used to create the content. Together, this analysis allows writers to craft messages that both appeal to and inform the target audience. In the digital age, such rhetorical messages may be conveyed through websites, social media, and other digital platforms.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|pp=6-14}}

==Digital Technologies Tools==
With the rise of digital technology, technical writing has had to adapt to the needs of a digital era. The predominant impact of such a revolution was that it made technical communication more accessible by increasing the breadth of its viewers. The World Wide Web is public and can be accessed by anyone with access to the Internet. Such a phenomenon can be exploited to increase the audience of a virtual document.

Technical writers can use various tools to author and present their documents.

====Content Management Systems (CMS)====
A content management system (CMS) is a software application that allows users to create, manage, and modify digital content on a website. It provides a user-friendly interface and tools to easily organize, publish, and update content, including text, images, videos, and documents. Additionally, CMSs often offer features like user permissions, version control, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to enhance the overall website management experience.{{sfn|Carroll|2006|p=129}} Some popular examples of CMS include [https://wordpress.com/ WordPress], [https://www.wix.com/ Wix], and [https://www.blogger.com/about/?bpli=1 Blogger].

====Image Processing Software====
Image processing software plays a valuable role in technical and digital writing by facilitating the creation and enhancement of visuals. Documentation and tutorials help optimize images to convey processes or procedures effectively. Whether for screen captures illustrating software interfaces, data visualizations, or graphics for digital content, image processing tools contribute to creating clear and visually appealing materials.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=664}} These tools, such as [https://www.adobe.com/ Adobe] and [https://www.canva.com/ Canva], enhance the visual impact of technical and digital writing, ensuring that images are optimized, informative, and engaging for the audience.

====Word Processors ====
Word processors are software applications designed for creating, editing, and formatting documents on a computer. They provide many features, such as spell-checking, grammar-checking, and inserting images and tables. These programs are typically used for writing essays, creating reports, or drafting professional documents.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=229}} Some popular software applications are [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word Microsoft Word], [https://www.google.com/docs/about/ Google Docs][https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration , SharePoint], and [https://www.apple.com/pages/ Apple Pages]. These programs allow documents to be readily disseminated. Comment capability enables audience members to interact about a document with one another and the author.

==== Text Editors====
Text editors are fundamental technical and digital writing tools, offering a platform for creating and manipulating plain text files. They are indispensable for programming tasks, providing syntax highlighting and code folding features. Text editors are commonly used to write code, markup languages (HTML, XML, Markdown), and edit configuration files.{{sfn|Godson|p=37-41}} Notable examples include [https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/windows-notepad/9MSMLRH6LZF3?hl=en-US&gl=US Notepad] (Windows), [https://support.apple.com/guide/textedit/welcome/mac TextEdit] (macOS), and [https://notepad-plus-plus.org/ Notepad++]. Whether for programmers, writers, or system administrators, text editors play a crucial role in content creation and technical work.

== Technical Documents ==
Technical writing encompasses various genres and styles, influenced by the information and discourse communities. Not all technical documents are produced by technical writers, as professionals produce various technical documents.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=32}}

Common types of technical communication include:{{sfn|Mussack|2021}}

==== Case Studies ====
Case studies are a form of empirical or observational research that consists of in-depth examination of distinct individuals, groups, events, or scenarios. This research can be used to generate qualitative or quantitative data.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=401-404}}

==== Data Sheets ====
A data sheet, also known as a technical datasheet, is a document used to describe and summarize the characteristics of a product, material, component, or technology.{{sfn|IDA|2020|p=}}

====Descriptions====
Descriptions are concise explanations of procedures and processes that assist readers in understanding how something works. Product descriptions and process descriptions are the two main types of technical descriptions.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=443-453}}

*Product: provides detailed information about a specific item, including its features, specifications, and benefits.
*Process: provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform a particular task or achieve a specific outcome.

==== Documentation ====
Documentation comprises various texts that allow users to accomplish tasks or gain information. It generally falls into three categories, which can be defined as follows:
* Instructions: Text that describes how to complete a task, often offering numbered steps. Examples include how to download software or assemble a product.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=167}}
* Specifications: Communications that deliver technical details on how a product is put together or a specific operation is executed. Also known as "specs," these texts may be written by engineers or technicians.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}
* Procedures and Protocols: Guidelines to ensure consistency, quality, and safety in the workplace. For example, a hospital may provide staff with procedures on how to adapt operations during an emergency, such as a power outage.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}

==== Email ====
Emails are the primary form of communication in the workplace, used for both internal and external communication. They facilitate information exchange, idea exchange, and activity coordination.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=335}} Emails should be brief, concise, readable, and targeted to specific audiences with specific subject lines.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=348}}

==== Letters ====
Letters are a traditional form of communication most often used by employees to communicate with individuals outside of a company or organization. They are typically written on company letterhead. Today, letters are sent either by U.S. mail or electronically.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=139}}

==== Memos ====
A memo (short for memorandum) is an official communication, usually a message from the company, a manager or director, or another person or group acting in an official capacity, used to communicate with others within the same organization.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=353}}

==== Press Releases ====
A press release can be an announcement or recent news that is distributed to media outlets from a company, with intentions on spreading the information to the general public. A press release can be called a press-statement, news release or media release.{{sfn|Pradhan|2021}}

==== Proposals ====
A proposal is a document that identifies an existing problem or opportunity and outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing it. Organizations create ''internal'' proposals to describe programs and projects that meet specific operational needs, such as a plan to replace an outdated software system. Companies develop ''external'' proposals for potential customers or clients. These documents detail new products, services, or initiatives that a company will implement to address a specific customer concern.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=245}}

==== Reports ====
A report is a concise, easily understandable document that presents technical information in a clear, organized format, allowing readers to access varying levels of information. Reports are categorized as informal, such as briefs, and formal, such as research, scientific, and completion reports.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|loc=chpt 10 & 11}}

===== Informal or Brief Reports =====
Informal or brief reports provide an objective overview of an organization's current state, past events, and future plans, ensuring that readers are well-informed about the organization's operations. Some examples include{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=285-288}}:

* Progress Reports are used to inform management about the progress or status of a project.
* White papers and Briefings educate management or clients about important issues.
* Incident Reports objectively focus on presenting facts relating to an accident or irregular occurrence.
* Laboratory Reports describe experiments, tests, or inspections.

===== Formal Reports =====
A formal report is a factual and data-driven response to a research question.
* Research reports present the findings of a study.
* Scientific research reports outline the process, progress, and results of technical or scientific research or the current state of a research problem.
* Completion reports assess the outcomes of a project or initiative and provide feedback to management or the client.

==== Resumes ====
Resumes offer an overview of an individual’s educational credentials and professional experience and often are used to demonstrate an applicant’s qualifications to potential employers.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=100}} They may be organized in various ways, but two common approaches are chronologically and by skills.

Chronological resumes demonstrate the sequence of education and employment history and detail a person’s tasks, responsibilities, and achievements in each successive role.

Skills resumes provide employment history, but the primary focus is to highlight how an individual applied distinct skills and experiences across various professional positions.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019|pp=411-412}}

==== User guides ====
A user guide is an instructional manual created to help consumers use the product, service or system. A user guide typically includes step-by-step instructions.{{Sfn|Wainaina|2022}}

==Search Engine Optimization (SEO)==
SEO refers to the practice of optimizing online content to enhance its visibility and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs), making it a crucial skill for digital writers.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize content for SEO means to have the goal of SEO in mind at the time of designing, creating, and writing a web page for publication. Using keywords and alt-text are two examples of optimizing content for SEO.{{sfn|Barr|2010|loc=chpt. 17}}

===Keywords===
Keywords are the words that search engines crawl a website for and index as the page's most important words. Based on other pages using the same keywords, the website is added into the search engine results pages from best matches to worst matches. The position of a website in search results is influenced by where it ranks on a scale determined by the keywords that a user searches for.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize a website's keywords, you should begin with researching keywords on your own website and ensure that you have an XML [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitemaps sitemap] so search engines such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google Google] can crawl your web pages for updated information. In addition to using keywords, updating a page's metadata information can also help with showing up on SERPs. Using title and header tags as well as meta descriptions for content also helps optimize a website's ratings in SERPs.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

===Alt-Text===
Alt-Text (alternative text), or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute Alt Attributes], is a practice that increases the usability and accessibility of a web page for users. Alt-Text is often used for visual elements that cannot be displayed in a different format but still provides description of the element for screen readers or users that may have a disability. Alt-Text also improves a website's SEO as a form of content optimization.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

===Social Media Presence===
Sharing content from a website across different social media platforms is another way to create SEO optimization. This technique can help with being seen as legitimate and improves visibility of the website overall. Additionally, it can drive traffic and enables back-linking to occur when other websites have the ability to also link to the website.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Goals of Searching: The User's Perspective===
A user of search engines formulates queries by using keywords or posing questions. One of the most important elements of building an SEO strategy for a website is developing a thorough understanding of the psychology of your target audience and how they use words and concepts to obtain information about the services and/or products you provide. Once you understand how the average search engine user—and, more specifically, your target audience—utilizes query-based search engines, you can more effectively reach and keep those users.{{sfn|Enge|Spencer|Stricchiola|2022|p=9}}

==Digital Documentation ==
Digital documentation is the conversion of physical documents into digital files, enabling easier access, retrieval, and sharing of information. It includes features like searchability, version control, and security measures to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.{{sfn|Lucas|2014}}

===Characteristics of Digital Documents===

====Electronic Format ====
Digital documents exist in electronic formats, which means they are stored and transmitted as binary data. This format allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and transmission of information via electronic devices.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}} Digital documentation is the only method to meet a critical challenge of the relatively new concept of "knowledge management" that applies to all organizations. A digital knowledge management system is crucial to an organization so everyone can access information created by employees who are no longer with the organization or to allow cross-referencing with other seemingly unrelated departments.{{sfn|IBM}}

====Non-Tangible====
Unlike paper documents, digital documents lack physical presence. They are intangible and exist as electronic files, residing on devices or in the cloud.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Accessibility ====
Website content should be designed in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access the same information as those without disabilities.{{sfn|WAI|2022}} It is a legal requirement to include accessibility features in website design.{{sfn|WCAG|2023}} There are four different types of impairment that can affect how a user interacts and perceives digital documents: vision, mobility, auditory, and cognitive.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=42}} Digital documents will need to be optimized so that information can be accessed by hardware and software tools used by people with disabilities.{{sfn|Barr|2010|pp=103-104}}

====Readability====
Digital documents rely on the "Seven Cs" of precise writing to be effective and increase readability. Forms of technical writing must have readability. Readability is a term used to determine whether the content has clarity, conciseness and courtesy.{{sfn|Zeleznik|Burnett|Benson|1999|p=207}} The other four Cs are coherent, concrete, correct and complete.{{sfn|Last|2019}}

====Scannability====
A document's scannability is determined by the ease in which it can be scanned to determine meaning. Readers often scan pages for words and phrases that align with their task or interests, as well as for trigger words that are deeply ingrained.{{sfn|Krug|2014|p=23}} The most effective web content is concise and simple to scan, making it easy for users to find the important information. Breaking up text into interesting, easy-to-read sections helps users quickly find information.{{sfn|Barr|2010|p=103}} Ways to improve a document's scannability include implementing visual elements, white space, concise language, highlighting, and emphasis.

====Ease of Reproduction and Distribution====
Digital documents are easily copied and distributed. They can be duplicated without any loss of quality, making it simple to share information widely and at minimal cost.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Hyperlinking ====
Hyperlinking is a quick and efficient method for directing readers to relevant information in digital documents, facilitating seamless navigation between sections, references, and external resources.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=79}}

====Multimedia====
Digital documents can incorporate multimedia elements like images, audio, video, and interactive content, enhancing engagement through visual and auditory elements. Multiple media formats work best when sharing new, complicated ideas.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=36}} Increasing multimodality on a website improves engagement, usability, and accessibility. This can improve the impact of the website's standings in SERPs.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

====Version Control====
Version control is a characteristic of digital documents that allows for the tracking of edits and revisions to digital documents. In collaborative writing, version control helps maintain the document with accountability and transparency.{{sfn|Lucas|2023d}}

====Remote Collaboration====
One form of collaborative technical writing is a wiki, which is a "website developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content."{{sfn|Lucas|2021}} One of the predominant elements of a wiki is that it is defined as being open source. As a result, anyone can modify it regardless of their geographic locations.

====Security Measures====
Digital documents can be protected with encryption, passwords, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information. These security measures enhance data protection and privacy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Environmental Impact====
Digital documents have a smaller environmental footprint compared to paper documents, as they reduce the need for paper production, printing, and transportation.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Dynamic Updates====
Online digital documents can be updated dynamically, ensuring that users always have access to the most current information. This is particularly valuable in fast-changing fields.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Global Accessibility====
Digital documents can be shared globally, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones. They support international collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge on a global scale.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Data Integration====
In business and research settings, digital documents can integrate with databases and data analysis tools. This integration streamlines data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Data Analytics ====
Digital documents can be subjected to data analytics techniques, allowing organizations to extract valuable insights from large volumes of textual data, which can inform decision-making and strategy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==Examples of Digital Documents==
In technical and professional writing, digital documentation takes various forms. These methods streamline the sharing of technical information, enhance collaboration, and ensure easy accessibility within professional settings, contributing to efficient communication and knowledge dissemination.

====Infographics====
Infographics, shared as digital documents, typically combine text, graphics, and illustrations to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing format. Infographics are often used to simplify information, making it more accessible to a broader audience, and are found in presentations, reports, websites, and educational materials.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=292-293}}

====Presentations====
Presentations created with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint PowerPoint] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Slides Google Slides] are vital for professional communication and knowledge sharing. They condense complex information into visually appealing slides for effective presentations by using photos, videos, graphics, charts, and graphs.{{sfn|Parkinson|2018|loc=chpt. 4}}

==== Blogs====
A blog, short for "weblog," is an informational website organized into short articles called posts, typically chronologically ordered series of website updates, written and organized similar to a traditional diary.{{sfn|Bair|2014|p=7}} They are regularly updated, providing readers with insights on a specific topic or subject. Blogs serve various purposes, including sharing opinions, providing news, offering educational content, and documenting personal experiences.{{sfn|Rose|Garret|2012|p=2}}

==User Experience==
User experience (UX) is how a product works from the perspective of the user. Digital documents can be created with efficient user experiences by practicing several design methods, including user-centered design, information architecture, responsive design, and usability.

===User-Centered Design===
The approach of user-centered design (UCD) in technical writing consists of the following methodology{{sfn|Lucas|2023e}}:

====User Research====
User research is the act of conducting thorough research through surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gain a better understanding of user needs and experiences when using a digital document.

==== Ideation and Prototyping====
Ideation and prototyping refers to the process of creating digital designs and prototypes to assist with exploring possible solutions to meet user needs.

====Usability Testing====
Usability testing refers to the act of having users interact with digital document designs and recording and adjusting the design based on user feedback.

====Implementation====
Implementation is the stage in which the design is implemented after making adjustments from prior testing.

====Evaluation====
Evaluation refers to the stage in which the digital document is assessed to ensure that it is meeting user needs.

====Maintenance and Updates====
Maintenance and updates are required in order to maintain a digital document based on user feedback and changing needs.

===Information Architecture===

To ensure a digital document has effective UX design and accessible information, technical writers need to construct a clear and organized information architecture (IA). IA is a design principle that organizes information so that it is easily found and understood by users, prioritizing their needs and reducing information overload. A design challenge is making IA understood across multiple digital experiences, changing the navigation structure to fit different medias while staying logical and consistent for the user.{{sfn|Rosenfeld|pp=1, 17-18}} IA that is not constructed well can confuse the user and could cause them to give up their search of information in frustration.{{sfn|Garrand|pp=12}}

The architecture components of IA can be divided into four different categories:{{sfn|Rosenfeld|pp=90}}

*Organization systems: how information is categorized and organized for user understanding

*Labeling systems: how information is represented

*Navigation systems: how users browse information and navigate between pages

*Searching systems: how users search for specific information

=== Responsive Design ===

Responsive design is a strategy that appropriately updates the layout and content of a website or document in relation to the screen size, device, and/or orientation, allowing the site or document to be easily viewed and navigated regardless of device used. With the increased use of mobile devices, web content should be constructed with proper responsive web design (RWD) to ensure effective UX and usability on those devices.{{sfn|Robbins| pp=485}}

There are several design strategies that can be implemented that will increase the success of RWD:{{sfn|Robbins| pp=487}}

*Fluid layout – Responsive sites can be constructed using a fluid layout (or flexible grid) system that will allow content to adjust and flow according to the available screen space.

*Flexible and responsive images – Images and other embedded media can be instructed so that they fit their containers instead of remaining at a fixed size. Images with varying resolutions can also be swapped according to screen size to avoid high-resolution images on smaller devices.

*CSS media queries – Media queries can be written into the CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), which would instruct the construction of the site according to screen width and orientation. Adding breakpoints for several screen sizes allows pages to be designed for specific devices.

*Content hierarchy – Carefully constructing content that is organized for the user and creating a hierarchy of content that prioritizes user needs is necessary to ensure effective user experience and navigation across multiple screen sizes.{{sfn|Robbins| pp=499}}

===Usability===

Technical writers must create documents and websites that meet the expectations of their readers and users, and in doing so, writers increase the usability of their site or document.{{sfn|Garrand|pp=26}} Usability can be applied with visual aids, clear and concise language, and structured design.

==Ethical Considerations==
In technical workplaces, resolving ethical dilemmas will be part of one's job. Resources, time, and reputations are at stake, so one will feel pressure to overpromise, underdeliver, bend the rules, cook the numbers, or exaggerate results. Technical fields are also highly competitive, so people sometimes stretch a little further than they should. Ethical dilemmas can force one into situations in which all choices seem unsatisfactory.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=71-84}}

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world's oldest professional association dedicated to advancing the field of technical communication.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023a}} The STC promotes adherence to a list of ethical principles. They are legality, honesty, confidentiality, quality, fairness, and professionalism.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023b}}

Technical communicators also have to be careful to avoid plagiarism, or taking ideas, thoughts, or words from someone else and passing them off as one's own.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

Technical communicators have ethical standards to which they must abide. The standards are divided into three primary categories. They are the employer, the public, and the environment.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

===The Employer===
Obligations to one's employer include competence and diligence, honesty and candor, confidentiality, and loyalty.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} The technical communicator must adhere to these obligations so that he/she does not harm the reputation or operation of the employer.

Technical communicators may occasionally work for an organization with strict privacy policies that prohibit them from using the documents they create outside of the organization. It is important for ethical communicators to follow the privacy policy for their organization because unauthorized release of information could lead to consequences up to and including termination.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

=== The Public===
Organizations are obligated to treat customers fairly. Technical communicators must convey that the products or services an organization sells are safe and effective.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

===The Environment===
Technical communicators have an obligation to the environment. This obligation includes alerting their supervisors, managers, and executive leadership to products or processes that are detrimental to the environment. Protecting the environment can be costly, however, and organizations may consider ignoring legal guidelines to save money.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} Yet, failure to adhere to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations also has financial implications. For example, the penalty for mishandling hazardous waste is five years and/or up to $50,000 for each day of the violation.{{sfn|EPA|2023}}

=== Disinformation ===
One major ethical concern in all forms of writing, but especially in digital writing, is the creation and spread of disinformation. Disinformation, often referred to as "[[w:Fake news|fake news]]," is information that is purposefully spread as false or misleading and is a sub-type of misinformation.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|loc=section 3.7}} Modern communication technologies allow for the spread of information to occur at a fast pace. Social media is one area where the spread of disinformation occurs regularly.

Some social media sites, such as Facebook, have begun to flag certain articles posted on the site as being questionable in their representation of facts or occurrences. Despite the widespread understanding and use of disinformation available today, digital writers need to be aware of their intent and the audience's needs and wants from their digital communication.{{sfn|Lucas|2023f}} Ethical considerations regarding citing sources, cross-referencing information, and using primary sources are good practices for maintaining ethical standing and credibility as a digital writer.

To help mitigate the problem of disinformation, technical writers should utilize gatekeepers. These individuals verify the accuracy of the information before it is distributed to primary readers. This helps protect the author from any ethical and/or legal issues.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

==Pedagogical Approaches==
===Writing Styles===
Informal writing, such as some emailing, instant messaging, and texting, has crept into academic writing. In a study conducted by the Pew Internet & America Life Project, almost half of the respondents admitted to omitting proper punctuation and capitalization in their schoolwork. Others even used emoticons. Colleges and universities must now educate students on the different forms of written communication, and when best to employ them.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=20}}

===Multimedia Writing===
Best practices for tone, grammar, and style can vary depending on the form of media (auditory, visual, print, etc.), and many digital writings will combine two or more of these media formats. Students of technical writing may be taught specific techniques for different types of media in order to become proficient multimedia writers.{{sfn|Garrand|2006|p=23}}

===Breaking and Building===
Breaking and building is a method of teaching effective writing that can be applied to technical and digital formats. It asks students to curate collections of digital media by comparing and contrasting ("building"), and also to critically analyze these collections and attempt to reason out the decisions behind them ("breaking").{{sfn|Coco|2018|p=175}} Each process has a set of targeted learning outcomes. Learning outcomes for "building" include making and reflecting on choices to find, group, present, and compile digital content. Learning outcomes for "breaking" include identifying and critiquing decisions in curating existing digital content, such as where the content originated, how it is grouped, and how it is presented.{{sfn|Coco|2018|p=178-179}}

==Future Trends and Challenges==
=== Future Trends===
Between 2022 and 2032, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Labor_Statistics, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics] is projecting a 7% job growth for technical writers.{{sfn|United States Bureau of Labor Statistics|2023}} To be relevant as a technical writer in the digital age, one must possess the skills of conducting in-depth research, critical thinking, being detail oriented, design, and technical expertise. To succeed at communicating the complex to specific audiences, the technical writer must understand much of the subject in its complexity. This is accomplished through possessing the skills of communication, collaboration, and teamwork.{{sfn|Fechter|2023}}

===Challenges===
Among others, a prominent barrier to technical writers is the dependency on input information accuracy. Outdated, incorrect, or inconsistent data delays the publication, requires more reparative efforts, and decreases productivity.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}} Also, technical writers often have to contend with complex, outdated or unsuitable tools. This can make their job more difficult and time-consuming, and can lead to frustration and errors.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}}

===Artificial Intelligence===
Artificial intelligence programs, utilizing natural language processing, are capable of producing technical writing and have advanced in recent years becoming more adept.{{sfn|Marr|2023}}

One such program is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT ChatGPT], which uses machine learning to produce texts with human-like style and tone.{{sfn|University of Central Arkansas|2023}} Another leader in this area, Contentbot, uses a WordPress plugin which gives blog writers ideas to enhance their posts which are shared via email.{{sfn|Siddiqui|2022}}

===Plagiarism===
Because of the ability of chatbots to imitate human-like language, some education administrators have taken precautions to minimize the occurrence of students passing off artificially generated texts as their own. In some instances, educators have taken the view that material drawn from artificial intelligence software must be handled in the same way as sources from human authors.{{sfn|Klein|2023}} In such cases, students who incorporate artificially generated text into their work have been made to denote credit for the artificial intelligence program utilized.

===Credit ===
The advent of chatbots has complicated the issue of credit where creative work is concerned. Because chatbots can simulate human speech, their ability to create cinematic dialogues and other types of creative writing have threatened the credits and financial condition of professional writers. According to an article by Aaron Mok and Jacob Zinkula on ''[https://www.businessinsider.com/ Business Insider]'', writing jobs are among the top 10 roles that AI is most likely to replace.{{sfn|Mok|2023}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin|30em}} 
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* {{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/01/23/how-chatgpt-and-natural-language-technology-might-affect-your-job-if-you-are-a-computer-programmer/?sh=6d9acf79174b |title=How ChatGPT And Natural Language Technology Might Affect Your Job If You Are A Computer Programmer |last=Marr |first=Bernard |date=2023 |website=Forbes.com |publisher=Forbes Media |access-date=2023-10-31 |quote= }}
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* {{cite book |last=Mussack |first=Brigitte |date=2021 |title=Introduction to Technical and Professional Communication |url=https://pressbooks.umn.edu/techwriting/front-matter/introduction/ |location= |publisher=Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial |pages=n.p. |author-link= }}
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{{Refend}}

[[Category:Fall 2023]]
[[Category:ENGL 5106]]

Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-27T04:06:15Z

HRoney: /* Scannability */

'''Technical Writing in the Digital Age''' represents the dynamic and evolving discipline of creating written materials that convey complex information, instructions, and technical concepts in the context of contemporary digital technologies. Its purview encompasses the creation, dissemination, and management of technical documents and content within an expansive digital landscape. Connected networks of workstations, laptops, cell phones, tablets, and servers are the central nervous system in the technical workplace.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=2}}

Major considerations revolve around adapting traditional principles of rhetoric to digital platforms, ensuring effective communication in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. Key factors include integrating multimedia elements, user-centered design principles, and ethical considerations like accessibility and inclusivity. This discipline also extends to collaborative writing processes and version control systems, acknowledging the necessity of teamwork in producing accurate and up-to-date technical documentation. The use of multi-modality and the interfacing of multiple media platforms and sources also plays a role in digital technical writing. In essence, technical writing in the digital age encapsulates the art and science of conveying technical information in a manner that is comprehensible and accessible to diverse audiences in our digitally driven society.

==Overview==

=== Aims of Technical Communication ===
As much as technical communication is a discipline in and of itself, it also exists within many other disciplines. Examples of technical communication communities can be found among such varied fields as education, business, and science. Technical documentation within any domain typically embodies a similar aim: to help its audience act toward some sort of task or goal. {{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}}

=== Characteristics of Technical Communication ===
Because technical communication is intended to guide an audience, it must be assembled in such a way that it is easily understood. Successful technical documentation is accurate, logically sound, and appropriate. {{sfn|Perelman|1998}} Communication can be said to be accurate in two different understandings: accurate in description and accurate in content. Accurate descriptions are easy to understand. Accurate content provides for the intended result. Communication that is delivered logically is well-organized and clear and can be approached in a manner that will be coherent for most users. Technical information that is appropriate contains elements and steps that are suitable for the intended purpose and audience.

== Technical Documents ==
Technical writing encompasses various genres and styles, influenced by the information and discourse communities. Not all technical documents are produced by technical writers, as professionals produce various technical documents.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=32}}

Common types of technical communication include:{{sfn|Mussack|2021}}

==== Case Studies ====
Case studies are a form of empirical or observational research that consists of in-depth examination of distinct individuals, groups, events, or scenarios. This research can be used to generate qualitative or quantitative data. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=401-404}}

==== Data Sheets ====
A data sheet, also known as a technical datasheet, is a document used to describe and summarize the characteristics of a product, material, component, or technology. {{sfn|IDA|2020|p=}}

====Descriptions====
Descriptions are concise explanations of procedures and processes that assist readers in understanding how something works. Product descriptions and process descriptions are the two main types of technical descriptions. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=443-453}}

*Product: provides detailed information about a specific item, including its features, specifications, and benefits.
*Process: provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform a particular task or achieve a specific outcome.

==== Documentation ====
Documentation comprises various texts that allow users to accomplish tasks or gain information. It generally falls into three categories, which can be defined as follows:
* Instructions: Text that describes how to complete a task, often offering numbered steps. Examples include how to download software or assemble a product.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=167}}
* Specifications: Communications that deliver technical details on how a product is put together or a specific operation is executed. Also known as "specs," these texts may be written by engineers or technicians.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}
* Procedures and Protocols: Guidelines to ensure consistency, quality, and safety in the workplace. For example, a hospital may provide staff with procedures on how to adapt operations during an emergency, such as a power outage.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}

==== Email ====
Emails are the primary form of communication in the workplace, used for both internal and external communication. They facilitate information exchange, idea exchange, and activity coordination.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=335}} Emails should be brief, concise, readable, and targeted to specific audiences with specific subject lines.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=348}}

==== Letters ====
Letters are a traditional form of communication most often used by employees to communicate with individuals outside of a company or organization. They are typically written on company letterhead. Today, letters are sent either by U.S. mail or electronically. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=139}}

==== Memos ====
A memo (short for memorandum) is an official communication, usually a message from the company, a manager or director, or another person or group acting in an official capacity, used to communicate with others within the same organization. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=353}}

==== Press Releases ====
A press release can be an announcement or recent news that is distributed to media outlets from a company, with intentions on spreading the information to the general public. A press release can be called a press-statement, news release or media release.{{sfn|Pradhan|2021}}

==== Proposals ====
A proposal is a document that identifies an existing problem or opportunity and outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing it. Organizations create ''internal'' proposals to describe programs and projects that meet specific operational needs, such as a plan to replace an outdated software system. Companies develop ''external'' proposals for potential customers or clients. These documents detail new products, services, or initiatives that a company will implement to address a specific customer concern.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=245}}

==== Reports ====
A report is a concise, easily understandable document that presents technical information in a clear, organized format, allowing readers to access varying levels of information. Reports are categorized as informal, such as briefs, and formal, such as research, scientific, and completion reports. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|loc=chpt 10 & 11}}

===== Informal or Brief Reports =====
Informal or brief reports provide an objective overview of an organization's current state, past events, and future plans, ensuring that readers are well-informed about the organization's operations. Some examples include{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=285-288}}:

* Progress Reports. These are used to inform management about the progress or status of a project.
* White papers and Briefings. These educate management or clients about important issues.
* Incident Reports. These objectively focus on presenting facts relating to an accident or irregular occurrence.
* Laboratory Reports. These describe experiments, tests, or inspections.

===== Formal Reports =====
A formal report is a factual and data-driven response to a research question.
* Research reports present the findings of a study.
* Scientific research reports outline the process, progress, and results of technical or scientific research or the current state of a research problem.
* Completion reports assess the outcomes of a project or initiative and provide feedback to management or the client.

==== Resumes ====
Résumés offer an overview of an individual’s educational credentials and professional experience and often are used to demonstrate an applicant’s qualifications to potential employers. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=100}} They may be organized in various ways, but two common approaches are chronologically and by skills. Chronological résumés demonstrate the sequence of education and employment history and detail a person’s tasks, responsibilities, and achievements in each successive role. Skills résumés provide employment history, but the primary focus is to highlight how an individual applied distinct skills and experiences across various professional positions. {{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019|pp=411-412}}

==== User guides ====
A user guide is an instructional manual created to help consumers use the product, service or system. A user guide typically includes step-by-step instructions.{{Sfn|Wainaina|2022}}

==Features of Technical Communication==
Technical communication involves conveying complex information to a specific audience. Key features include accuracy, attention to detail, visuals, and clear and concise organization to enhance user understanding. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

=== Accuracy ===

==== Standards Compliant ====
Many technical fields have industry-specific regulations and guidelines which are determined by governing bodies and that also have an impact on their technical communication. Furthermore, many organizations may have a style guide that outlines preferred language usage, tone, and formatting. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

==== Detailed ====
Accurate information that is delivered with precision and specificity is essential to providing communication that is unambiguous and free of discrepancies. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} It is free of errors and inconsistencies.

==== Objective ====
Objective communication is presented in an unbiased and impartial manner and is free of personal opinions. It relies upon facts and evidence and avoids an overly emotional tone. This approach is particularly important in fields where accuracy and impartiality are essential. {{sfn|Detwiler|2021}}

===== Clear and Concise =====
Technical communication needs to be organized logically, is not unnecessarily involved, and is easily understood by the target audience. The language used should avoid needless jargon and be written in a straightforward manner that avoids redundant word usage and/or excessive explanations. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} {{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

=== Soundness ===

==== Formatted and Organized ====
Technical documents should be formatted in a way that is consistent with the norms and standards of applicable professional fields. Additionally, formatting should adhere to guidelines that enhance usability. Information should be logically organized for easy reading comprehension. This may involve using headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists. Formatting details should remain consistent throughout the document. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} {{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

==== Graphical ====
Technical communication utilizes visuals strategically to facilitate understanding of textual content. Visuals such as diagrams, charts, graphs, or images can enhance understanding of a technical document. When presented properly, they can elucidate difficult concepts and make material accessible to a more diverse audience. {{sfn|AI and the LinkedIn Community|2023}}

=== Appropriateness ===

==== Audience-specific ====
Where possible, technical communication should be customized to align with the knowledge and needs of its audience. Communication style and tone should be tailored to match the audience's level of expertise and should take into consideration such factors as the users' technical background, familiarity with the subject, and specific requirements. {{sfn|Viral Nation|2019}} The tone sets the overall mood for the piece.

====Document Design====
Documents' appropriateness requires that readers can quickly understand the message of the document. The document should be of appropriate style and length for the readers' needs.

==Digital Technologies Tools==
With the rise of digital technology, technical writing has had to adapt to the needs of a digital era. The predominant impact of such a revolution was that it made technical communication more accessible by increasing the breadth of its viewers. The World Wide Web is public and, thus, can be accessed by anyone with access to the Internet. Such a phenomenon can be exploited to increase the audience of a virtual document.

Technical writers can use various tools to author and present their documents.

====Content Management Systems (CMS)====
A content management system (CMS) is a software application that allows users to create, manage, and modify digital content on a website. It provides a user-friendly interface and tools to easily organize, publish, and update content, including text, images, videos, and documents. Additionally, CMSs often offer features like user permissions, version control, and SEO optimization to enhance the overall website management experience. {{sfn|Barr|2006|p=129}}
Some popular examples of CMS include [https://wordpress.com/ WordPress], [https://www.wix.com/ Wix], and [https://www.blogger.com/about/?bpli=1 Blogger].

====Image Processing Software====
Image processing software plays a valuable role in technical and digital writing by facilitating the creation and enhancement of visuals. Documentation and tutorials help optimize images to convey processes or procedures effectively. Whether for screen captures illustrating software interfaces, data visualizations, or graphics for digital content, image processing tools contribute to creating clear and visually appealing materials.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=664}} These tools, such as [https://www.adobe.com/ Adobe] and [https://www.canva.com/ Canva], enhance the visual impact of technical and digital writing, ensuring that images are optimized, informative, and engaging for the audience.

====Word Processors ====
Word processors are software applications designed for creating, editing, and formatting documents on a computer. They provide many features, such as spell-checking, grammar-checking, and inserting images and tables. These programs are typically used for writing essays, creating reports, or drafting professional documents. {{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=229}} Some popular software applications are [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word Microsoft Word], [https://www.google.com/docs/about/ Google Docs][https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration , SharePoint], and [https://www.apple.com/pages/ Apple Pages]. These programs allow documents to be readily disseminated. Comment capability enables audience members to interact about a document with one another and the author.

==== Text Editors====
Text editors are fundamental technical and digital writing tools, offering a platform for creating and manipulating plain text files. They are indispensable for programming tasks, providing syntax highlighting and code folding features. Text editors are commonly used to write code, markup languages (HTML, XML, Markdown), and edit configuration files.{{sfn|Godson|p=37-41}} Notable examples include [https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/windows-notepad/9MSMLRH6LZF3?hl=en-US&gl=US Notepad] (Windows), [https://support.apple.com/guide/textedit/welcome/mac TextEdit] (macOS), and [https://notepad-plus-plus.org/ Notepad++]. Whether for programmers, writers, or system administrators, text editors play a crucial role in content creation and technical work.

==Historical Context==
===Technical Writing Profession ===
Joseph P. Chapline is considered to be one of the first technical writers, having written in 1949 the first ever user manual for the Binary Automatic Computer (BINAC), an early personal computer.{{sfn|Malone|2008}} In the 1950s, technical writing as a distinct profession began to take shape when technical writers founded formal organizations, academic programs, and conferences dedicated to the art. One of these key writing associations was the Association of Technical Writers and Editors, also formed in the 1950s. Several of these groups eventually merged, forming the Society of Technical Communication in 1960.{{sfn|Malone|2011|pp=285-306}}

The need for paperwork ushered in by World War II served as the driving force for the technical writing profession in the United States. {{sfn|Rathbone|1958}} This was a time years before the computer and photocopier became common office equipment. During this period, the role of the technical writer revolved solely around words, and their primary work tools consisted of either a pencil or ink pen and paper. The technical writer would draft the document by hand, and a typist or clerical worker would then use a typewriter to transfer the writer's words into a finished document.

Advances in technology thrust the technical writing profession into a new era. The work of the technical writer may now also include not only text, but also images, drawings, and computer-based media. The current role of the technical writer is not only to write, but they may also be involved in research and information gathering, speaking with technical experts, and selecting document mediums and project tools. {{sfn|Macari|2023}}

The projects of today's technical writers can be as varied as writing instructions to assemble a living room chair to creating websites. {{sfn|Grimstead|1999}} The titles of today's technical writers may vary as well. They may be referred to by names as diverse as information architects to documentation specialists. {{sfn|Grimstead|1999}}

==Personas in Digital Writing==
Personas in the context of digital writing, which is writing composed, created and read in digital environments, refer to semi-fictional characters that encapsulate the characteristics, behaviors, and needs of target audience segments. They align closely with the principles of user-centered design (UCD).{{sfn|Lucas|2023a}}
There are myriad ways to integrate user-centered thinking into the creative process of UX design, and personas are one of the most effective ways to empathize with and analyze users.{{sfn|Goltz|2014}}

Personas may guide the creation of documentation and tutorials catering to different user needs. It is crucial to adjust the language and tone to match the persona preference. Different personas can influence and guide the design of the project.

==Rhetorical Strategies in the Digital Age==
Rhetoric is a communication strategy whose primary goal is to persuade an audience. It is grounded in three foundational concepts first defined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. These concepts are ''logos'', which engages with the reader’s sense of logic or reason; ''pathos'', which appeals to the reader’s emotions; and ''ethos'', which addresses the audience’s values and the writer’s credibility. Within this framework, writers utilize specific techniques or devices to influence and engage readers. Examples include appealing to an audience’s sense of logic by using factual examples to support a point or evoking emotion through descriptive visual language. {{sfn|Gagich|Zickel|n.d.|pp=34-37}}

In today’s digital age, writers can use digital technologies as rhetorical devices to influence the reader. Electronic images and informational graphics can be incorporated into digital and online documents to illustrate or reinforce points made in the text.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}} Hyperlinks can be used to provide additional information that supports the author's ideas. Nevertheless, the writer's basic task of informing and persuading an audience is the same in digital communication as in other forms of writing.{{sfn|DeVoss|National Writing Project|Eidman-Aadahl|Hicks|2010|p=105}}

Rhetorical analysis involves analyzing the demographics and habits of an intended audience. The information gathered allows writers to craft messages that appeal to the target audience. In the digital age, websites and social media platforms convey rhetorical messages.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|pp=6-14}}

==Search Engine Optimization (SEO)==
SEO refers to the practice of optimizing online content to enhance its visibility and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs), making it a crucial skill for digital writers.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize content for SEO means to have the goal of SEO in mind at the time of designing, creating, and writing a web page for publication. Using keywords and alt-text are two examples of optimizing content for SEO. {{sfn|Barr|2010|loc=chpt. 17}}

===Keywords===
Keywords are the words that search engines crawl a website for and index as the page's most important words. Based on other pages using the same keywords, the website is added into the search engine results pages from best matches to worse matches. Depending on where the website falls in that scale based on the specific keywords being searched by a user, influences where the website pops up in the associated search results.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize a website's keywords, you should begin with researching keywords on your own website and ensure that you have an XML [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitemaps sitemap] so search engine's such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google Google] can crawl your web pages for updated information. In addition to using keywords, updating a page's metadata information can also help with showing up on SERPs. Using title and header tags as well as meta descriptions for content also helps optimize a website's ratings in SERPs.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

===Alt-Text===
Alt-Text (alternative text), or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute Alt Attributes], is a practice that increases the usability and accessibility of a web page for users. Alt-Text is often used for visual elements that cannot be displayed in a different format but still provides description of the element for screen readers or users that may have a disability. Alt-Text also improves a website's SEO as a form of content optimization.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

===Social Media Presence===
Sharing content from a website across different social media platforms is another way to create SEO optimization. This technique can help with being seen as legitimate and improves visibility of the website overall. Additionally it can drive traffic and enables back-linking to occur when other websites have the ability to also link to the website.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Goals of Searching: The User's Perspective===
A user of search engines formulates queries by using keywords or posing questions. One of the most important elements of building an SEO strategy for a website is developing a thorough understanding of the psychology of your target audience, and how they use words and concepts to obtain information about the services and/or products you provide. Once you understand how the average search engine user—and, more specifically, your target audience—utilizes query-based search engines, you can more effectively reach and keep those users. {{sfn|Enge|Spencer|Stricchiola|2022|p=9}}

==Digital Documentation ==
Digital documentation is the conversion of physical documents into digital files, enabling easier access, retrieval, and sharing of information. It includes features like searchability, version control, and security measures to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.{{sfn|Lucas|2014}}

===Characteristics of Digital Documents===

====Electronic Format ====
Digital documents exist in electronic formats, which means they are stored and transmitted as binary data. This format allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and transmission of information via electronic devices.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}} Digital documentation is the only method to meet a critical challenge of the relatively new concept of "knowledge management" that applies to all organizations. A digital knowledge management system is crucial to an organization so everyone can access information created by employees who are no longer with the organization or cross-referencing with other seemingly unrelated departments.{{sfn|IBM}}

====Non-Tangible====
Unlike paper documents, digital documents lack physical presence. They are intangible and exist as electronic files, residing on devices or in the cloud.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Accessibility ====
Website content should be designed in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access the same information as those without disabilities.{{sfn|WAI|2022}} It is a legal requirement to include accessibility features in website design.{{sfn|WCAG|2023}} There are four different types of impairment that can affect how a user interacts and perceives digital documents: vision, mobility, auditory, and cognitive.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=42}}Digital documents will need to be optimized so that information can be accessed by hardware and software tools used by people with disabilities.{{sfn|Barr|2010|pp=103-104}}

====Readability====
Digital documents rely on the "Seven Cs" of precise writing to be effective and increase readability. Forms of technical writing must have readability. Readability is a term used to determine whether the content has clarity, conciseness and courtesy.{{sfn|Zeleznik|Burnett|Benson|1999|p=207}} The other four Cs are coherent, concrete, correct and complete.{{sfn|Last|2019}}

====Scannability====
A document's scannability is determined by the ease in which it can be scanned to determine meaning. Readers often scan pages for words and phrases that align with their task or interests, as well as for trigger words that are deeply ingrained.{{sfn|Krug|2014|p=23}} The most effective web content is concise and simple to scan, making it easy for users to find the important information. Breaking up text into interesting, easy-to-read sections helps users quickly find information. {{sfn|Barr|2010|p=103}} Ways to improve a document's scannability include visual elements, white space, concise language, and highlighting and emphasis.

====Ease of Reproduction and Distribution====
Digital documents are easily copied and distributed. They can be duplicated without any loss of quality, making it simple to share information widely and at minimal cost.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Hyperlinking ====
Hyperlinking is a quick and efficient method for directing readers to relevant information in digital documents, facilitating seamless navigation between sections, references, and external resources.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=79}}

====Multimedia====
Digital documents can incorporate multimedia elements like images, audio, video, and interactive content, enhancing engagement through visual and auditory elements. Multiple media formats work best when sharing new, complicated ideas.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=36}} Increasing multimodality on a website improves engagement, usability, and accessibility. This can improve the impact of the website's standings in SERPs.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

====Version Control====
Version control is a characteristic of digital documents that allows for the tracking of edits and revisions to digital documents. In collaborative writing, version control helps maintain the document with accountability and transparency.{{sfn|Lucas|2023d}}

====Remote Collaboration====
One form of collaborative technical writing is a wiki, which is a "Web site developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content.{{sfn|Lucas|2021}} One of the predominant elements of a wiki is that it is defined as being open source. As a result, anyone can modify it regardless of their geographic locations.

====Security Measures====
Digital documents can be protected with encryption, passwords, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information. These security measures enhance data protection and privacy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Environmental Impact====
Digital documents have a smaller environmental footprint compared to paper documents, as they reduce the need for paper production, printing, and transportation.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Dynamic Updates====
Online digital documents can be updated dynamically, ensuring that users always have access to the most current information. This is particularly valuable in fast-changing fields.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Global Accessibility====
Digital documents can be shared globally, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones. They support international collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge on a global scale.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Data Integration====
In business and research settings, digital documents can integrate with databases and data analysis tools. This integration streamlines data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Data Analytics ====
Digital documents can be subjected to data analytics techniques, allowing organizations to extract valuable insights from large volumes of textual data, which can inform decision-making and strategy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==Examples of Digital Documents==
In technical and professional writing, digital documentation takes various forms. These methods streamline the sharing of technical information, enhance collaboration, and ensure easy accessibility within professional settings, contributing to efficient communication and knowledge dissemination.

====Infographics====
Infographics, shared as digital documents, typically combine text, graphics, and illustrations to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing format. Infographics are often used to simplify information, making it more accessible to a broader audience, and are found in presentations, reports, websites, and educational materials. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=292-293}}

====Presentations====
Presentations created with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint PowerPoint] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Slides Google Slides] are vital for professional communication and knowledge sharing. They condense complex information into visually appealing slides for effective presentations by using photos, videos, graphics, charts, and graphs.{{sfn|Parkinson|2018|loc=chpt. 4}}

==== Blogs====
A blog, short for "weblog," is an informational website organized into short articles called posts, typically chronologically ordered series of website updates, written and organized similar to a traditional diary.{{sfn|Bair|2014|p=7}} They are regularly updated, providing readers with insights on a specific topic or subject. Blogs serve various purposes, including sharing opinions, providing news, offering educational content, and documenting personal experiences.{{sfn|Rose|Garret|2012|p=2}}

==User Experience==
User experience (UX) is how a product works from the perspective of the user. Digital documents can be created with efficient user experiences by practicing several design methods, including user-centered design, information architecture, responsive design, and usability.

===User-Centered Design===
The approach of user-centered design (UCD) in technical writing consists of the following methodology{{sfn|Lucas|2023e}}:

====User Research====
User research is the act of conducting thorough research through surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gain a better understanding of user needs and experiences when using a digital document.

==== Ideation and Prototyping====
Ideation and prototyping refers to the process of creating digital designs and prototypes to assist with exploring possible solutions to meet user needs.

====Usability Testing====
Usability testing refers to the act of having users interact with digital document designs and recording and adjusting the design based on user feedback.

====Implementation====
Implementation is the stage in which the design is implemented after making adjustments from prior testing.

====Evaluation====
Evaluation refers to the stage in which the digital document is assessed to ensure that it is meeting user needs.

====Maintenance and Updates====
Maintenance and updates are required in order to maintain a digital document based on user feedback and changing needs.

===Information Architecture===

To ensure a digital document has effective UX design and accessible information, technical writers need to construct a clear and organized information architecture (IA). IA is a design principle that organizes information so that it is easily found and understood by users, prioritizing their needs and reducing information overload. A design challenge is making IA understood across multiple digital experiences, changing the navigation structure to fit different medias while staying logical and consistent for the user.{{sfn| Rosenfeld |pp=1, 17-18}} IA that is not constructed well can confuse the user and could cause them to give up their search of information in frustration.{{sfn| Garrand |pp=12}}

The architecture components of IA can be divided into four different categories:{{sfn| Rosenfeld |pp=90}}

*Organization systems: how information is categorized and organized for user understanding

*Labeling systems: how information is represented

*Navigation systems: how users browse information and navigate between pages

*Searching systems: how users search for specific information

=== Responsive Design ===

Responsive design is a strategy that appropriately updates the layout and content of a website or document in relation to the screen size, device, and/or orientation, allowing the site or document to be easily viewed and navigated regardless of device used. With the increased use of mobile devices, web content should be constructed with proper responsive web design (RWD) to ensure effective UX and usability on those devices.{{sfn| Robbins| pp=485}}

There are several design strategies that can be implemented that will increase the success of RWD:{{sfn| Robbins| pp=487}}

*Fluid layout – Responsive sites can be constructed using a fluid layout (or flexible grid) system that will allow content to adjust and flow according to the available screen space.

*Flexible and responsive images – Images and other embedded media can be instructed so that they fit their containers instead of remaining at a fixed size. Images with varying resolutions can also be swapped according to screen size to avoid high-resolution images on smaller devices.

*CSS media queries – Media queries can be written into the CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), which would instruct the construction of the site according to screen width and orientation. Adding breakpoints for several screen sizes allows pages to be designed for specific devices.

*Content hierarchy – Carefully constructing content that is organized for the user and creating a hierarchy of content that prioritizes user needs is necessary to ensure effective user experience and navigation across multiple screen sizes.{{sfn| Robbins| pp=499}}

===Usability===

Technical writers must create documents and websites that meet the expectations of their readers and users, and in doing so, writers increase the usability of their site or document.{{sfn| Garrand | pp=26}} Usability can be applied with visual aids, clear and concise language, and structured design.

==Ethical Considerations==
In technical workplaces, resolving ethical dilemmas will be part of one's job. Resources, time, and reputations are at stake, so one will feel pressure to overpromise, underdeliver, bend the rules, cook the numbers, or exaggerate results. Technical fields are also highly competitive, so people sometimes stretch a little further than they should. Ethical dilemmas can force one into situations in which all choices seem unsatisfactory.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=71-84}}

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world's oldest professional association dedicated to advancing the field of technical communication.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023a}} The STC promotes adherence to a list of ethical principles. They are legality, honesty, confidentiality, quality, fairness, and professionalism.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023b}}

Technical communicators also have to be careful to avoid plagiarism, or taking ideas, thoughts, or words from someone else and passing them off as one's own.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

Technical communicators have ethical standards to which they must abide. The standards are divided into three primary categories. They are the employer, the public, and the environment.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

===The Employer===
Obligations to one's employer include competence and diligence, honesty and candor, confidentiality, and loyalty.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} The technical communicator must adhere to these obligations so that he/she does not harm the reputation or operation of the employer.

Technical communicators may occasionally work for an organization with strict privacy policies that prohibit them from using the documents they create outside of the organization. It is important for ethical communicators to follow the privacy policy for their organization because unauthorized release of information could lead to consequences up to and including termination.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

=== The Public===
Organizations are obligated to treat customers fairly. Technical communicators must convey that the products or services an organization sells are safe and effective.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

===The Environment===
Technical communicators have an obligation to the environment. This obligation includes alerting their supervisors, managers, and executive leadership to products or processes that are detrimental to the environment. Protecting the environment can be costly, however, and organizations may consider ignoring legal guidelines to save money.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} Yet, failure to adhere to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations also has financial implications. For example, the penalty for mishandling hazardous waste is five years and/or up to $50,000 for each day of the violation.{{sfn|EPA|2023}}

=== Disinformation ===
One major ethical concern in all forms of writing, but especially in digital writing, is the creation and spread of disinformation. Disinformation, often referred to as "[[w:Fake news|fake news]]," is information that is purposefully spread as false or misleading and is a sub-type of misinformation.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|loc=section 3.7}} Modern communication technologies allow for the spread of information to occur at a fast pace. Social media is one area where the spread of disinformation occurs regularly. Some social media sites, such as Facebook, have begun to flag certain articles posted on the site as being questionable in their representation of facts or occurrences. Despite the widespread understanding and use of disinformation available today, digital writers need to be aware of their intent and the audience's needs and wants from their digital communication.{{sfn|Lucas|2023f}} Ethical considerations regarding citing sources, cross-referencing information, and using primary sources are good practices for maintaining ethical standing and credibility as a digital writer.

To help mitigate the problem of disinformation, technical writers should utilize gatekeepers. These individuals verify the accuracy of the information before it is distributed to primary readers. This helps protect the author from any ethical and/or legal issues.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

==Pedagogical Approaches==
Barriers to teaching technical communications include the speed at which digital tools evolve and the complexity of software. {{sfn|Hovde|Renguette|2017|pp=395-411}}

Informal writing, such as some emailing, instant messaging, and texting, has crept into academic writing. In a study conducted by the Pew Internet & America Life Project, almost half of the respondents admitted to omitting proper punctuation and capitalization. Others even used emoticons. Colleges and universities now must focus on educating students on the different forms of written communication and when best to employ them.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

==Future Trends and Challenges==
=== Future Trends===
Between 2022 and 2032, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Labor_Statistics, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics] is projecting a 7% job growth for technical writers. {{sfn|United States Bureau of Labor Statistics|2023}} To be relevant as a technical writer in the digital age, one must possess the skills of conducting in-depth research, critical thinking, being detail oriented, design, and technical expertise. To succeed at communicating the complex to specific audiences, the technical writer must understand much of the subject in its complexity. This is accomplished through possessing the skills of communication, collaboration, and teamwork.{{sfn|Fechter|2023}}

===Challenges===
Among others, a prominent barrier to technical writers is the dependency on input information accuracy. Outdated, incorrect, or inconsistent data delays the publication, requires more reparative efforts, and decreases productivity.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}} Also, technical writers often have to contend with complex, outdated or unsuitable tools. This can make their job more difficult and time-consuming, and can lead to frustration and errors.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}}

===Artificial Intelligence===
Artificial intelligence programs, utilizing natural language processing, are capable of producing technical writing and have advanced in recent years becoming more adept.{{sfn|Marr|2023}}

One such program is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT ChatGPT], which uses machine learning to produce texts with human-like style and tone. {{sfn|University of Central Arkansas|2023}} Another leader in this area, Contentbot, uses a WordPress plugin which gives blog writers ideas to enhance their posts which are shared via email.{{sfn|Siddiqui|2022}}

===Plagiarism===
Because of the ability of chatbots to imitate human-like language, some education administrators have taken precautions to minimize the occurrence of students passing off artificially generated texts as their own. In some instances, educators have taken the view that material drawn from artificial intelligence software must be handled in the same way as sources from human authors. {{sfn|Klein|2023}} In such cases, students who incorporate artificially generated text into their work have been made to denote credit for the artificial intelligence program utilized.

===Credit ===
The advent of chatbots has complicated the issue of credit where creative work is concerned. Because chatbots can simulate human speech, their ability to create cinematic dialogues and other types of creative writing have threatened the credits and financial condition of professional writers. According to an article by Aaron Mok and Jacob Zinkula on ''[https://www.businessinsider.com/ Business Insider]'', writing jobs are among the top 10 roles that AI is most likely to replace. {{sfn|Mok|2023}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

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* {{cite magazine |last=Malone |first=Ed |date=2008 |title=Joseph D. Chapline: Technical Communication's Mozart |url=https://web.mst.edu/~malonee/chapline.pdf |magazine=IEEE Professional Communication Society Newsletter |access-date=2023-10-31 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Malone |first=Edward |date=November 2011 |title=The First Wave (1953-1961) of the Professionalization Movement in Technical Communication |url=https://www.stc.org/techcomm/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/08/november-2011-58-4.pdf |journal=Technical Communication |volume=58 |issue=4 |pages=285-306 |doi= |access-date=2023-10-11 }}
* {{cite book |last=Markel |first=Michael |title=Technical Communication |date=2009 |edition=9th |location=Boston |publisher=Bedford/St. Martin's |pages=22-25 }}
* {{cite book |last=Markel |first=Mike |last2=Selber |first2=Stuart A. |date=2019 |title=Practical Strategies of Technical Communication |edition=3rd |url= |location=Boston |publisher=Bedford/St. Martin’s |page= }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/01/23/how-chatgpt-and-natural-language-technology-might-affect-your-job-if-you-are-a-computer-programmer/?sh=6d9acf79174b |title=How ChatGPT And Natural Language Technology Might Affect Your Job If You Are A Computer Programmer |last=Marr |first=Bernard |date=2023 |website=Forbes.com |publisher=Forbes Media |access-date=2023-10-31 |quote= }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-jobs-at-risk-replacement-artificial-intelligence-ai-labor-trends-2023-02 |title=ChatGPT may be coming for our jobs. Here are the 10 roles AI is most likely to replace |last=Mok |first=Aaron |date=2023 |website=Insider |publisher=Business Insider |access-date= 2023-11-05 }}
* {{cite book |last=Mussack |first=Brigitte |date=2021 |title=Introduction to Technical and Professional Communication |url=https://pressbooks.umn.edu/techwriting/front-matter/introduction/ |location= |publisher=Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial |pages=n.p. |author-link= }}
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* {{cite web |url=https://proofed.com/writing-tips/a-beginners-guide-to-technical-writing/ |title=A Beginner’s Guide to Technical Writing |last=Proofed Editors |date=2020 |website=Proofed.com |publisher=Proofed |access-date=2023-11-05 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Rathbone |first=Robert |title=Growth of the technical writing profession |journal=STWE Review |volume=5 |issue=1 |date=1958 |pages=5-16 }}
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* {{cite book |last1=Rosenfeld |first1=Louis |last2=Morville |first2=Peter |last3=Arango |first3=Jorge |date=2006 |title=Information Architecture for the Web and Beyond |edition=4th |location=Sebastopol, CA |publisher=O'Reilly Media, Inc.}}
* {{cite web |url=https://writingcooperative.com/intricacies-of-ai-tools-can-ai-tools-take-over-the-jobs-of-technical-writers-af36836f625c |last=Siddiqui |first=Zafar |title=Will Best Artificial Intelligence Take Over any Technical Content Writer? |date=2022 |website=writingcooperative.com |publisher=The Writing Cooperative |access-date=2023-11-19 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.managementnote.com/features-of-technical-communication/#google_vignette |title=Features of Technical Communication |last=Smirti |date=2022 |website=managementnote.com |publisher=Management Note |access-date= 2023-11-05 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.stc.org/about-stc/ |title=About STC |last=Society for Technical Communication |first= |date=2023a |website=stc.org |publisher= |access-date=2023-10-27 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.stc.org/about-stc/ethical-principles/ |title=Ethical Principles |last=Society for Technical Communication |first= |date=2023b |website=stc.org |publisher= |access-date=2023-10-27 }}
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* {{cite web |url=https://scribehow.com/library/user-guide |title=What is a User Guide? Everything You Need to Know |last=Wainaina |first=Timan |date=2022 |website= |publisher= |access-date=22 November 2023 |quote= }}
* {{cite web |url=https://wcag.com/legal/|title=Accessibility and the Law |last=WCAG |first= |date=2023 |website=wcag.com|publisher=eSSENTIAL Accessibility |access-date= 2023-10-26 |quote= }}
* {{cite book |last=Zeleznik |first=J. M. |last2=Burnett |first2=R. E. |last3=Benson |first3=P. J. |date=1999 |title=Technical Writing: What It Is and How to Do It |url= |location= |publisher=National Book Network |pages=107 |isbn= |author-link= }}
* {{cite book |last=Balzotti |first=Jon |date=2022 |title=Technical Communication: A Design-Centric Approach, (2nd ed.)|location=New York, NY |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9780367438302 }}

{{Refend}}

[[Category:Fall 2023]]
[[Category:ENGL 5106]]

Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-27T03:58:01Z

HRoney: /* Technical Writing Profession */

'''Technical Writing in the Digital Age''' represents the dynamic and evolving discipline of creating written materials that convey complex information, instructions, and technical concepts in the context of contemporary digital technologies. Its purview encompasses the creation, dissemination, and management of technical documents and content within an expansive digital landscape. Connected networks of workstations, laptops, cell phones, tablets, and servers are the central nervous system in the technical workplace.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=2}}

Major considerations revolve around adapting traditional principles of rhetoric to digital platforms, ensuring effective communication in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. Key factors include integrating multimedia elements, user-centered design principles, and ethical considerations like accessibility and inclusivity. This discipline also extends to collaborative writing processes and version control systems, acknowledging the necessity of teamwork in producing accurate and up-to-date technical documentation. The use of multi-modality and the interfacing of multiple media platforms and sources also plays a role in digital technical writing. In essence, technical writing in the digital age encapsulates the art and science of conveying technical information in a manner that is comprehensible and accessible to diverse audiences in our digitally driven society.

==Overview==

=== Aims of Technical Communication ===
As much as technical communication is a discipline in and of itself, it also exists within many other disciplines. Examples of technical communication communities can be found among such varied fields as education, business, and science. Technical documentation within any domain typically embodies a similar aim: to help its audience act toward some sort of task or goal. {{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}}

=== Characteristics of Technical Communication ===
Because technical communication is intended to guide an audience, it must be assembled in such a way that it is easily understood. Successful technical documentation is accurate, logically sound, and appropriate. {{sfn|Perelman|1998}} Communication can be said to be accurate in two different understandings: accurate in description and accurate in content. Accurate descriptions are easy to understand. Accurate content provides for the intended result. Communication that is delivered logically is well-organized and clear and can be approached in a manner that will be coherent for most users. Technical information that is appropriate contains elements and steps that are suitable for the intended purpose and audience.

== Technical Documents ==
Technical writing encompasses various genres and styles, influenced by the information and discourse communities. Not all technical documents are produced by technical writers, as professionals produce various technical documents.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=32}}

Common types of technical communication include:{{sfn|Mussack|2021}}

==== Case Studies ====
Case studies are a form of empirical or observational research that consists of in-depth examination of distinct individuals, groups, events, or scenarios. This research can be used to generate qualitative or quantitative data. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=401-404}}

==== Data Sheets ====
A data sheet, also known as a technical datasheet, is a document used to describe and summarize the characteristics of a product, material, component, or technology. {{sfn|IDA|2020|p=}}

====Descriptions====
Descriptions are concise explanations of procedures and processes that assist readers in understanding how something works. Product descriptions and process descriptions are the two main types of technical descriptions. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=443-453}}

*Product: provides detailed information about a specific item, including its features, specifications, and benefits.
*Process: provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform a particular task or achieve a specific outcome.

==== Documentation ====
Documentation comprises various texts that allow users to accomplish tasks or gain information. It generally falls into three categories, which can be defined as follows:
* Instructions: Text that describes how to complete a task, often offering numbered steps. Examples include how to download software or assemble a product.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=167}}
* Specifications: Communications that deliver technical details on how a product is put together or a specific operation is executed. Also known as "specs," these texts may be written by engineers or technicians.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}
* Procedures and Protocols: Guidelines to ensure consistency, quality, and safety in the workplace. For example, a hospital may provide staff with procedures on how to adapt operations during an emergency, such as a power outage.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}

==== Email ====
Emails are the primary form of communication in the workplace, used for both internal and external communication. They facilitate information exchange, idea exchange, and activity coordination.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=335}} Emails should be brief, concise, readable, and targeted to specific audiences with specific subject lines.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=348}}

==== Letters ====
Letters are a traditional form of communication most often used by employees to communicate with individuals outside of a company or organization. They are typically written on company letterhead. Today, letters are sent either by U.S. mail or electronically. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=139}}

==== Memos ====
A memo (short for memorandum) is an official communication, usually a message from the company, a manager or director, or another person or group acting in an official capacity, used to communicate with others within the same organization. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=353}}

==== Press Releases ====
A press release can be an announcement or recent news that is distributed to media outlets from a company, with intentions on spreading the information to the general public. A press release can be called a press-statement, news release or media release.{{sfn|Pradhan|2021}}

==== Proposals ====
A proposal is a document that identifies an existing problem or opportunity and outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing it. Organizations create ''internal'' proposals to describe programs and projects that meet specific operational needs, such as a plan to replace an outdated software system. Companies develop ''external'' proposals for potential customers or clients. These documents detail new products, services, or initiatives that a company will implement to address a specific customer concern.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=245}}

==== Reports ====
A report is a concise, easily understandable document that presents technical information in a clear, organized format, allowing readers to access varying levels of information. Reports are categorized as informal, such as briefs, and formal, such as research, scientific, and completion reports. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|loc=chpt 10 & 11}}

===== Informal or Brief Reports =====
Informal or brief reports provide an objective overview of an organization's current state, past events, and future plans, ensuring that readers are well-informed about the organization's operations. Some examples include{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=285-288}}:

* Progress Reports. These are used to inform management about the progress or status of a project.
* White papers and Briefings. These educate management or clients about important issues.
* Incident Reports. These objectively focus on presenting facts relating to an accident or irregular occurrence.
* Laboratory Reports. These describe experiments, tests, or inspections.

===== Formal Reports =====
A formal report is a factual and data-driven response to a research question.
* Research reports present the findings of a study.
* Scientific research reports outline the process, progress, and results of technical or scientific research or the current state of a research problem.
* Completion reports assess the outcomes of a project or initiative and provide feedback to management or the client.

==== Resumes ====
Résumés offer an overview of an individual’s educational credentials and professional experience and often are used to demonstrate an applicant’s qualifications to potential employers. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=100}} They may be organized in various ways, but two common approaches are chronologically and by skills. Chronological résumés demonstrate the sequence of education and employment history and detail a person’s tasks, responsibilities, and achievements in each successive role. Skills résumés provide employment history, but the primary focus is to highlight how an individual applied distinct skills and experiences across various professional positions. {{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019|pp=411-412}}

==== User guides ====
A user guide is an instructional manual created to help consumers use the product, service or system. A user guide typically includes step-by-step instructions.{{Sfn|Wainaina|2022}}

==Features of Technical Communication==
Technical communication involves conveying complex information to a specific audience. Key features include accuracy, attention to detail, visuals, and clear and concise organization to enhance user understanding. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

=== Accuracy ===

==== Standards Compliant ====
Many technical fields have industry-specific regulations and guidelines which are determined by governing bodies and that also have an impact on their technical communication. Furthermore, many organizations may have a style guide that outlines preferred language usage, tone, and formatting. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

==== Detailed ====
Accurate information that is delivered with precision and specificity is essential to providing communication that is unambiguous and free of discrepancies. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} It is free of errors and inconsistencies.

==== Objective ====
Objective communication is presented in an unbiased and impartial manner and is free of personal opinions. It relies upon facts and evidence and avoids an overly emotional tone. This approach is particularly important in fields where accuracy and impartiality are essential. {{sfn|Detwiler|2021}}

===== Clear and Concise =====
Technical communication needs to be organized logically, is not unnecessarily involved, and is easily understood by the target audience. The language used should avoid needless jargon and be written in a straightforward manner that avoids redundant word usage and/or excessive explanations. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} {{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

=== Soundness ===

==== Formatted and Organized ====
Technical documents should be formatted in a way that is consistent with the norms and standards of applicable professional fields. Additionally, formatting should adhere to guidelines that enhance usability. Information should be logically organized for easy reading comprehension. This may involve using headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists. Formatting details should remain consistent throughout the document. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} {{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

==== Graphical ====
Technical communication utilizes visuals strategically to facilitate understanding of textual content. Visuals such as diagrams, charts, graphs, or images can enhance understanding of a technical document. When presented properly, they can elucidate difficult concepts and make material accessible to a more diverse audience. {{sfn|AI and the LinkedIn Community|2023}}

=== Appropriateness ===

==== Audience-specific ====
Where possible, technical communication should be customized to align with the knowledge and needs of its audience. Communication style and tone should be tailored to match the audience's level of expertise and should take into consideration such factors as the users' technical background, familiarity with the subject, and specific requirements. {{sfn|Viral Nation|2019}} The tone sets the overall mood for the piece.

==== Document Design ====
Documents' appropriateness requires that readers can quickly understand the message of the document. The document should be of appropriate style and length for the readers' needs.

== Digital Technologies Tools==
With the rise of digital technology, technical writing has had to adapt to the needs of a digital era. The predominant impact of such a revolution was that it made technical communication more accessible by increasing the breadth of its viewers. The World Wide Web is public and, thus, can be accessed by anyone with access to the Internet. Such a phenomenon can be exploited to increase the audience of a virtual document.

Technical writers can use various tools to author and present their documents.

==== Content Management Systems (CMS) ====
A content management system (CMS) is a software application that allows users to create, manage, and modify digital content on a website. It provides a user-friendly interface and tools to easily organize, publish, and update content, including text, images, videos, and documents. Additionally, CMSs often offer features like user permissions, version control, and SEO optimization to enhance the overall website management experience. {{sfn|Barr|2006|p=129}}
Some popular examples of CMS include [https://wordpress.com/ WordPress], [https://www.wix.com/ Wix], and [https://www.blogger.com/about/?bpli=1 Blogger].

==== Image Processing Software ====
Image processing software plays a valuable role in technical and digital writing by facilitating the creation and enhancement of visuals. Documentation and tutorials help optimize images to convey processes or procedures effectively. Whether for screen captures illustrating software interfaces, data visualizations, or graphics for digital content, image processing tools contribute to creating clear and visually appealing materials.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=664}} These tools, such as [https://www.adobe.com/ Adobe] and [https://www.canva.com/ Canva], enhance the visual impact of technical and digital writing, ensuring that images are optimized, informative, and engaging for the audience.

==== Word Processors ====
Word processors are software applications designed for creating, editing, and formatting documents on a computer. They provide many features, such as spell-checking, grammar-checking, and inserting images and tables. These programs are typically used for writing essays, creating reports, or drafting professional documents. {{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=229}} Some popular software applications are [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word Microsoft Word], [https://www.google.com/docs/about/ Google Docs][https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration , SharePoint], and [https://www.apple.com/pages/ Apple Pages]. These programs allow documents to be readily disseminated. Comment capability enables audience members to interact about a document with one another and the author.

==== Text Editors ====
Text editors are fundamental technical and digital writing tools, offering a platform for creating and manipulating plain text files. They are indispensable for programming tasks, providing syntax highlighting and code folding features. Text editors are commonly used to write code, markup languages (HTML, XML, Markdown), and edit configuration files.{{sfn|Godson|p=37-41}} Notable examples include [https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/windows-notepad/9MSMLRH6LZF3?hl=en-US&gl=US Notepad] (Windows), [https://support.apple.com/guide/textedit/welcome/mac TextEdit] (macOS), and [https://notepad-plus-plus.org/ Notepad++]. Whether for programmers, writers, or system administrators, text editors play a crucial role in content creation and technical work.

==Historical Context==
===Technical Writing Profession===
Joseph P. Chapline is considered to be one of the first technical writers, having written in 1949 the first ever user manual for the Binary Automatic Computer (BINAC), an early personal computer.{{sfn|Malone|2008}} In the 1950s, technical writing as a distinct profession began to take shape when technical writers founded formal organizations, academic programs, and conferences dedicated to the art. One of these key writing associations was the Association of Technical Writers and Editors, also formed in the 1950s. Several of these groups eventually merged, forming the Society of Technical Communication in 1960.{{sfn|Malone|2011|pp=285-306}}

The need for paperwork ushered in by World War II served as the driving force for the technical writing profession in the United States. {{sfn|Rathbone|1958}} This was a time years before the computer and photocopier became common office equipment. During this period, the role of the technical writer revolved solely around words, and their primary work tools consisted of either a pencil or ink pen and paper. The technical writer would draft the document by hand, and a typist or clerical worker would then use a typewriter to transfer the writer's words into a finished document.

Advances in technology thrust the technical writing profession into a new era. The work of the technical writer may now also include not only text, but also images, drawings, and computer-based media. The current role of the technical writer is not only to write, but they may also be involved in research and information gathering, speaking with technical experts, and selecting document mediums and project tools. {{sfn|Macari|2023}}

The projects of today's technical writers can be as varied as writing instructions to assemble a living room chair to creating websites. {{sfn|Grimstead|1999}} The titles of today's technical writers may vary as well. They may be referred to by names as diverse as information architects to documentation specialists. {{sfn|Grimstead|1999}}

==Personas in Digital Writing==
Personas in the context of digital writing, which is writing composed, created and read in digital environments, refer to semi-fictional characters that encapsulate the characteristics, behaviors, and needs of target audience segments. They align closely with the principles of user-centered design (UCD).{{sfn|Lucas|2023a}}
There are myriad ways to integrate user-centered thinking into the creative process of UX design, and personas are one of the most effective ways to empathize with and analyze users.{{sfn|Goltz|2014}}

Personas may guide the creation of documentation and tutorials catering to different user needs. It is crucial to adjust the language and tone to match the persona preference. Different personas can influence and guide the design of the project.

==Rhetorical Strategies in the Digital Age==
Rhetoric is a communication strategy whose primary goal is to persuade an audience. It is grounded in three foundational concepts first defined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. These concepts are ''logos'', which engages with the reader’s sense of logic or reason; ''pathos'', which appeals to the reader’s emotions; and ''ethos'', which addresses the audience’s values and the writer’s credibility. Within this framework, writers utilize specific techniques or devices to influence and engage readers. Examples include appealing to an audience’s sense of logic by using factual examples to support a point or evoking emotion through descriptive visual language. {{sfn|Gagich|Zickel|n.d.|pp=34-37}}

In today’s digital age, writers can use digital technologies as rhetorical devices to influence the reader. Electronic images and informational graphics can be incorporated into digital and online documents to illustrate or reinforce points made in the text.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}} Hyperlinks can be used to provide additional information that supports the author's ideas. Nevertheless, the writer's basic task of informing and persuading an audience is the same in digital communication as in other forms of writing.{{sfn|DeVoss|National Writing Project|Eidman-Aadahl|Hicks|2010|p=105}}

Rhetorical analysis involves analyzing the demographics and habits of an intended audience. The information gathered allows writers to craft messages that appeal to the target audience. In the digital age, websites and social media platforms convey rhetorical messages.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|pp=6-14}}

==Search Engine Optimization (SEO)==
SEO refers to the practice of optimizing online content to enhance its visibility and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs), making it a crucial skill for digital writers.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize content for SEO means to have the goal of SEO in mind at the time of designing, creating, and writing a web page for publication. Using keywords and alt-text are two examples of optimizing content for SEO. {{sfn|Barr|2010|loc=chpt. 17}}

=== Keywords ===
Keywords are the words that search engines crawl a website for and index as the page's most important words. Based on other pages using the same keywords, the website is added into the search engine results pages from best matches to worse matches. Depending on where the website falls in that scale based on the specific keywords being searched by a user, influences where the website pops up in the associated search results.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize a website's keywords, you should begin with researching keywords on your own website and ensure that you have an XML [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitemaps sitemap] so search engine's such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google Google] can crawl your web pages for updated information. In addition to using keywords, updating a page's metadata information can also help with showing up on SERPs. Using title and header tags as well as meta descriptions for content also helps optimize a website's ratings in SERPs.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Alt-Text ===
Alt-Text (alternative text), or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute Alt Attributes], is a practice that increases the usability and accessibility of a web page for users. Alt-Text is often used for visual elements that cannot be displayed in a different format but still provides description of the element for screen readers or users that may have a disability. Alt-Text also improves a website's SEO as a form of content optimization.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Social Media Presence ===
Sharing content from a website across different social media platforms is another way to create SEO optimization. This technique can help with being seen as legitimate and improves visibility of the website overall. Additionally it can drive traffic and enables back-linking to occur when other websites have the ability to also link to the website.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Goals of Searching: The User's Perspective ===
A user of search engines formulates queries by using keywords or posing questions. One of the most important elements of building an SEO strategy for a website is developing a thorough understanding of the psychology of your target audience, and how they use words and concepts to obtain information about the services and/or products you provide. Once you understand how the average search engine user—and, more specifically, your target audience—utilizes query-based search engines, you can more effectively reach and keep those users. {{sfn|Enge|Spencer|Stricchiola|2022|p=9}}

==Digital Documentation ==
Digital documentation is the conversion of physical documents into digital files, enabling easier access, retrieval, and sharing of information. It includes features like searchability, version control, and security measures to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.{{sfn|Lucas|2014}}

===Characteristics of Digital Documents===

==== Electronic Format ====
Digital documents exist in electronic formats, which means they are stored and transmitted as binary data. This format allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and transmission of information via electronic devices.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}} Digital documentation is the only method to meet a critical challenge of the relatively new concept of "knowledge management" that applies to all organizations. A digital knowledge management system is crucial to an organization so everyone can access information created by employees who are no longer with the organization or cross-referencing with other seemingly unrelated departments.{{sfn|IBM}}

==== Non-Tangible ====
Unlike paper documents, digital documents lack physical presence. They are intangible and exist as electronic files, residing on devices or in the cloud.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Accessibility ====
Website content should be designed in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access the same information as those without disabilities.{{sfn|WAI|2022}} It is a legal requirement to include accessibility features in website design.{{sfn|WCAG|2023}} There are four different types of impairment that can affect how a user interacts and perceives digital documents: vision, mobility, auditory, and cognitive.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=42}}Digital documents will need to be optimized so that information can be accessed by hardware and software tools used by people with disabilities.{{sfn|Barr|2010|pp=103-104}}

====Readability====
Digital documents rely on the "Seven Cs" of precise writing to be effective and increase readability. Forms of technical writing must have readability. Readability is a term used to determine whether the content has clarity, conciseness and courtesy.{{sfn|Zeleznik|Burnett|Benson|1999|p=207}} The other four Cs are coherent, concrete, correct and complete.{{sfn|Last|2019}}

====Scannability====
A document's scannability is determined by the ease in which it can be scanned to determine meaning. Readers often scan pages for words and phrases that align with their task or interests, as well as for trigger words that are deeply ingrained.{{sfn|Krug|2014|p=23}} The most effective web content is concise and simple to scan, making it easy for users to find the important information. Breaking up text into interesting, easy-to-read sections helps users quickly find information. {{sfn|Barr|2010|p=103}}

==== Ease of Reproduction and Distribution ====
Digital documents are easily copied and distributed. They can be duplicated without any loss of quality, making it simple to share information widely and at minimal cost.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Hyperlinking====
Hyperlinking is a quick and efficient method for directing readers to relevant information in digital documents, facilitating seamless navigation between sections, references, and external resources.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=79}}

====Multimedia====
Digital documents can incorporate multimedia elements like images, audio, video, and interactive content, enhancing engagement through visual and auditory elements. Multiple media formats work best when sharing new, complicated ideas.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=36}} Increasing multimodality on a website improves engagement, usability, and accessibility. This can improve the impact of the website's standings in SERPs.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

====Version Control====
Version control is a characteristic of digital documents that allows for the tracking of edits and revisions to digital documents. In collaborative writing, version control helps maintain the document with accountability and transparency.{{sfn|Lucas|2023d}}

==== Remote Collaboration ====
One form of collaborative technical writing is a wiki, which is a "Web site developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content.{{sfn|Lucas|2021}} One of the predominant elements of a wiki is that it is defined as being open source. As a result, anyone can modify it regardless of their geographic locations.

==== Security Measures ====
Digital documents can be protected with encryption, passwords, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information. These security measures enhance data protection and privacy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Environmental Impact ====
Digital documents have a smaller environmental footprint compared to paper documents, as they reduce the need for paper production, printing, and transportation.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Dynamic Updates ====
Online digital documents can be updated dynamically, ensuring that users always have access to the most current information. This is particularly valuable in fast-changing fields.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Global Accessibility ====
Digital documents can be shared globally, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones. They support international collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge on a global scale.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Data Integration ====
In business and research settings, digital documents can integrate with databases and data analysis tools. This integration streamlines data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Data Analytics ====
Digital documents can be subjected to data analytics techniques, allowing organizations to extract valuable insights from large volumes of textual data, which can inform decision-making and strategy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==Examples of Digital Documents==
In technical and professional writing, digital documentation takes various forms. These methods streamline the sharing of technical information, enhance collaboration, and ensure easy accessibility within professional settings, contributing to efficient communication and knowledge dissemination.

==== Infographics ====
Infographics, shared as digital documents, typically combine text, graphics, and illustrations to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing format. Infographics are often used to simplify information, making it more accessible to a broader audience, and are found in presentations, reports, websites, and educational materials. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=292-293}}

==== Presentations ====
Presentations created with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint PowerPoint] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Slides Google Slides] are vital for professional communication and knowledge sharing. They condense complex information into visually appealing slides for effective presentations by using photos, videos, graphics, charts, and graphs.{{sfn|Parkinson|2018|loc=chpt. 4}}

==== Blogs ====
A blog, short for "weblog," is an informational website organized into short articles called posts, typically chronologically ordered series of website updates, written and organized similar to a traditional diary.{{sfn|Bair|2014|p=7}} They are regularly updated, providing readers with insights on a specific topic or subject. Blogs serve various purposes, including sharing opinions, providing news, offering educational content, and documenting personal experiences.{{sfn|Rose|Garret|2012|p=2}}

==User Experience==
User experience (UX) is how a product works from the perspective of the user. Digital documents can be created with efficient user experiences by practicing several design methods, including user-centered design, information architecture, responsive design, and usability.

=== User-Centered Design ===
The approach of user-centered design (UCD) in technical writing consists of the following methodology{{sfn|Lucas|2023e}}:

==== User Research ====
User research is the act of conducting thorough research through surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gain a better understanding of user needs and experiences when using a digital document.

==== Ideation and Prototyping ====
Ideation and prototyping refers to the process of creating digital designs and prototypes to assist with exploring possible solutions to meet user needs.

==== Usability Testing ====
Usability testing refers to the act of having users interact with digital document designs and recording and adjusting the design based on user feedback.

==== Implementation ====
Implementation is the stage in which the design is implemented after making adjustments from prior testing.

==== Evaluation ====
Evaluation refers to the stage in which the digital document is assessed to ensure that it is meeting user needs.

==== Maintenance and Updates ====
Maintenance and updates are required in order to maintain a digital document based on user feedback and changing needs.

===Information Architecture===

To ensure a digital document has effective UX design and accessible information, technical writers need to construct a clear and organized information architecture (IA). IA is a design principle that organizes information so that it is easily found and understood by users, prioritizing their needs and reducing information overload. A design challenge is making IA understood across multiple digital experiences, changing the navigation structure to fit different medias while staying logical and consistent for the user.{{sfn| Rosenfeld |pp=1, 17-18}} IA that is not constructed well can confuse the user and could cause them to give up their search of information in frustration.{{sfn| Garrand |pp=12}}

The architecture components of IA can be divided into four different categories:{{sfn| Rosenfeld |pp=90}}

*Organization systems: how information is categorized and organized for user understanding

*Labeling systems: how information is represented

*Navigation systems: how users browse information and navigate between pages

*Searching systems: how users search for specific information

===Responsive Design===

Responsive design is a strategy that appropriately updates the layout and content of a website or document in relation to the screen size, device, and/or orientation, allowing the site or document to be easily viewed and navigated regardless of device used. With the increased use of mobile devices, web content should be constructed with proper responsive web design (RWD) to ensure effective UX and usability on those devices.{{sfn| Robbins| pp=485}}

There are several design strategies that can be implemented that will increase the success of RWD:{{sfn| Robbins| pp=487}}

*Fluid layout – Responsive sites can be constructed using a fluid layout (or flexible grid) system that will allow content to adjust and flow according to the available screen space.

*Flexible and responsive images – Images and other embedded media can be instructed so that they fit their containers instead of remaining at a fixed size. Images with varying resolutions can also be swapped according to screen size to avoid high-resolution images on smaller devices.

*CSS media queries – Media queries can be written into the CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), which would instruct the construction of the site according to screen width and orientation. Adding breakpoints for several screen sizes allows pages to be designed for specific devices.

*Content hierarchy – Carefully constructing content that is organized for the user and creating a hierarchy of content that prioritizes user needs is necessary to ensure effective user experience and navigation across multiple screen sizes.{{sfn| Robbins| pp=499}}

===Usability===

Technical writers must create documents and websites that meet the expectations of their readers and users, and in doing so, writers increase the usability of their site or document.{{sfn| Garrand | pp=26}}

==Ethical Considerations==
In technical workplaces, resolving ethical dilemmas will be part of one's job. Resources, time, and reputations are at stake, so one will feel pressure to overpromise, underdeliver, bend the rules, cook the numbers, or exaggerate results. Technical fields are also highly competitive, so people sometimes stretch a little further than they should. Ethical dilemmas can force one into situations in which all choices seem unsatisfactory.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=71-84}}

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world's oldest professional association dedicated to advancing the field of technical communication.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023a}} The STC promotes adherence to a list of ethical principles. They are legality, honesty, confidentiality, quality, fairness, and professionalism.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023b}}

Technical communicators also have to be careful to avoid plagiarism, or taking ideas, thoughts, or words from someone else and passing them off as one's own.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

Technical communicators have ethical standards to which they must abide. The standards are divided into three primary categories. They are the employer, the public, and the environment.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

=== The Employer ===
Obligations to one's employer include competence and diligence, honesty and candor, confidentiality, and loyalty.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} The technical communicator must adhere to these obligations so that he/she does not harm the reputation or operation of the employer.

Technical communicators may occasionally work for an organization with strict privacy policies that prohibit them from using the documents they create outside of the organization. It is important for ethical communicators to follow the privacy policy for their organization because unauthorized release of information could lead to consequences up to and including termination.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

=== The Public ===
Organizations are obligated to treat customers fairly. Technical communicators must convey that the products or services an organization sells are safe and effective.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

=== The Environment ===
Technical communicators have an obligation to the environment. This obligation includes alerting their supervisors, managers, and executive leadership to products or processes that are detrimental to the environment. Protecting the environment can be costly, however, and organizations may consider ignoring legal guidelines to save money.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} Yet, failure to adhere to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations also has financial implications. For example, the penalty for mishandling hazardous waste is five years and/or up to $50,000 for each day of the violation.{{sfn|EPA|2023}}

===Disinformation===
One major ethical concern in all forms of writing, but especially in digital writing, is the creation and spread of disinformation. Disinformation, often referred to as "[[w:Fake news|fake news]]," is information that is purposefully spread as false or misleading and is a sub-type of misinformation.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|loc=section 3.7}} Modern communication technologies allow for the spread of information to occur at a fast pace. Social media is one area where the spread of disinformation occurs regularly. Some social media sites, such as Facebook, have begun to flag certain articles posted on the site as being questionable in their representation of facts or occurrences. Despite the widespread understanding and use of disinformation available today, digital writers need to be aware of their intent and the audience's needs and wants from their digital communication.{{sfn|Lucas|2023f}} Ethical considerations regarding citing sources, cross-referencing information, and using primary sources are good practices for maintaining ethical standing and credibility as a digital writer.

To help mitigate the problem of disinformation, technical writers should utilize gatekeepers. These individuals verify the accuracy of the information before it is distributed to primary readers. This helps protect the author from any ethical and/or legal issues.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

==Pedagogical Approaches==
Barriers to teaching technical communications include the speed at which digital tools evolve and the complexity of software. {{sfn|Hovde|Renguette|2017|pp=395-411}}

Informal writing, such as some emailing, instant messaging, and texting, has crept into academic writing. In a study conducted by the Pew Internet & America Life Project, almost half of the respondents admitted to omitting proper punctuation and capitalization. Others even used emoticons. Colleges and universities now must focus on educating students on the different forms of written communication and when best to employ them.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

==Future Trends and Challenges==
===Future Trends===
Between 2022 and 2032, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Labor_Statistics, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics] is projecting a 7% job growth for technical writers. {{sfn|United States Bureau of Labor Statistics|2023}} To be relevant as a technical writer in the digital age, one must possess the skills of conducting in-depth research, critical thinking, being detail oriented, design, and technical expertise. To succeed at communicating the complex to specific audiences, the technical writer must understand much of the subject in its complexity. This is accomplished through possessing the skills of communication, collaboration, and teamwork.{{sfn|Fechter|2023}}

===Challenges===
Among others, a prominent barrier to technical writers is the dependency on input information accuracy. Outdated, incorrect, or inconsistent data delays the publication, requires more reparative efforts, and decreases productivity.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}} Also, technical writers often have to contend with complex, outdated or unsuitable tools. This can make their job more difficult and time-consuming, and can lead to frustration and errors.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}}

===Artificial Intelligence===
Artificial intelligence programs, utilizing natural language processing, are capable of producing technical writing and have advanced in recent years becoming more adept.{{sfn|Marr|2023}}

One such program is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT ChatGPT], which uses machine learning to produce texts with human-like style and tone. {{sfn|University of Central Arkansas|2023}} Another leader in this area, Contentbot, uses a WordPress plugin which gives blog writers ideas to enhance their posts which are shared via email.{{sfn|Siddiqui|2022}}

===Plagiarism===
Because of the ability of chatbots to imitate human-like language, some education administrators have taken precautions to minimize the occurrence of students passing off artificially generated texts as their own. In some instances, educators have taken the view that material drawn from artificial intelligence software must be handled in the same way as sources from human authors. {{sfn|Klein|2023}} In such cases, students who incorporate artificially generated text into their work have been made to denote credit for the artificial intelligence program utilized.

===Credit===
The advent of chatbots has complicated the issue of credit where creative work is concerned. Because chatbots can simulate human speech, their ability to create cinematic dialogues and other types of creative writing have threatened the credits and financial condition of professional writers. According to an article by Aaron Mok and Jacob Zinkula on ''[https://www.businessinsider.com/ Business Insider]'', writing jobs are among the top 10 roles that AI is most likely to replace. {{sfn|Mok|2023}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

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* {{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-jobs-at-risk-replacement-artificial-intelligence-ai-labor-trends-2023-02 |title=ChatGPT may be coming for our jobs. Here are the 10 roles AI is most likely to replace |last=Mok |first=Aaron |date=2023 |website=Insider |publisher=Business Insider |access-date= 2023-11-05 }}
* {{cite book |last=Mussack |first=Brigitte |date=2021 |title=Introduction to Technical and Professional Communication |url=https://pressbooks.umn.edu/techwriting/front-matter/introduction/ |location= |publisher=Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial |pages=n.p. |author-link= }}
* {{cite book| last=Parkinson |first=Mike |title=A Trainer’s Guide to PowerPoint: Best Practices for Master Presenters| location=United States| publisher=Association for Talent Development| chapter=Chapter 4. PowerPoint Tips, Tricks, and Secrets| date=2018 }}
* {{cite book |last=Perelman |first=Leslie |date=1998 |title=The Mayfield Handbook of Technical and Scientific Writing |url=https://www.mit.edu/course/21/21.guide/ |location=Mountain View |publisher=Mayfield Publishing Company |pages=n.p. |isbn= |author-link= }}
* {{cite web |url=https://learn.g2.com/how-to-write-a-press-release |title=How to Write a Press Release That Catches People's Attention |date=2021 |last=Pradhan |first=Ninisha |website=learn.g2.com |publisher=G2.com |access-date=2023-11-21 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://proofed.com/writing-tips/a-beginners-guide-to-technical-writing/ |title=A Beginner’s Guide to Technical Writing |last=Proofed Editors |date=2020 |website=Proofed.com |publisher=Proofed |access-date=2023-11-05 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Rathbone |first=Robert |title=Growth of the technical writing profession |journal=STWE Review |volume=5 |issue=1 |date=1958 |pages=5-16 }}
*{{cite book |last=Robbins |first=Jennifer Niederst |date=2018 |title=Learning Web Design: A Beginner’s Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics (5th ed.) |url= |location=Sebastopol, CA |publisher= O’Reilly Media, Inc. }}
* {{cite book |last=Rose|first=Darren |last2=Garret |first2=Chris|date=2012 |title=ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income|url=|location=Indianapolis, IN |publisher=Jon Wiley & Sons, Inc|pages=|isbn=|author-link= }}
* {{cite book |last1=Rosenfeld |first1=Louis |last2=Morville |first2=Peter |last3=Arango |first3=Jorge |date=2006 |title=Information Architecture for the Web and Beyond |edition=4th |location=Sebastopol, CA |publisher=O'Reilly Media, Inc.}}
* {{cite web |url=https://writingcooperative.com/intricacies-of-ai-tools-can-ai-tools-take-over-the-jobs-of-technical-writers-af36836f625c |last=Siddiqui |first=Zafar |title=Will Best Artificial Intelligence Take Over any Technical Content Writer? |date=2022 |website=writingcooperative.com |publisher=The Writing Cooperative |access-date=2023-11-19 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.managementnote.com/features-of-technical-communication/#google_vignette |title=Features of Technical Communication |last=Smirti |date=2022 |website=managementnote.com |publisher=Management Note |access-date= 2023-11-05 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.stc.org/about-stc/ |title=About STC |last=Society for Technical Communication |first= |date=2023a |website=stc.org |publisher= |access-date=2023-10-27 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.stc.org/about-stc/ethical-principles/ |title=Ethical Principles |last=Society for Technical Communication |first= |date=2023b |website=stc.org |publisher= |access-date=2023-10-27 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm#tab-6 |title=Occupational Outlook Handbook |last=United States Bureau of Labor Statistics |first= |date=2023 |website=bls.gov |publisher=United States Department of Labor |access-date=2023-11-07 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://uca.edu/cetal/chat-gpt/ |title=Chat GPT: What is it? |last=University of Central Arkansas |first= |date= |website=uca.edu |publisher= University of Central Arkansas |access-date=2023-10-09 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.viralnation.com/blog/what-is-digital-content-creation-and-how-can-it-help-me-as-a-marketing-manager/#:~:text=A%20rule%20of%20thumb%20in%20digital%20content%20creation,turn%2C%20share%20it%20with%20others%20in%20their%20network. |title=What is Digital Content Creation? (and How Can It Help Me as a Marketing Manager) |last=Viral Nation |date=2019 |website=viralnation.com |publisher= Viral Nation |access-date=2023-11-05 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-intro/|title=Introduction to Web Accessibility |last=WAI |first=|date=2022 |website=W3.org|publisher= |access-date= 2023-10-26 |quote= }}
* {{cite web |url=https://scribehow.com/library/user-guide |title=What is a User Guide? Everything You Need to Know |last=Wainaina |first=Timan |date=2022 |website= |publisher= |access-date=22 November 2023 |quote= }}
* {{cite web |url=https://wcag.com/legal/|title=Accessibility and the Law |last=WCAG |first= |date=2023 |website=wcag.com|publisher=eSSENTIAL Accessibility |access-date= 2023-10-26 |quote= }}
* {{cite book |last=Zeleznik |first=J. M. |last2=Burnett |first2=R. E. |last3=Benson |first3=P. J. |date=1999 |title=Technical Writing: What It Is and How to Do It |url= |location= |publisher=National Book Network |pages=107 |isbn= |author-link= }}
* {{cite book |last=Balzotti |first=Jon |date=2022 |title=Technical Communication: A Design-Centric Approach, (2nd ed.)|location=New York, NY |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9780367438302 }}

{{Refend}}

[[Category:Fall 2023]]
[[Category:ENGL 5106]]

Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-27T03:55:09Z

HRoney: /* Audience-specific */

'''Technical Writing in the Digital Age''' represents the dynamic and evolving discipline of creating written materials that convey complex information, instructions, and technical concepts in the context of contemporary digital technologies. Its purview encompasses the creation, dissemination, and management of technical documents and content within an expansive digital landscape. Connected networks of workstations, laptops, cell phones, tablets, and servers are the central nervous system in the technical workplace.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=2}}

Major considerations revolve around adapting traditional principles of rhetoric to digital platforms, ensuring effective communication in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. Key factors include integrating multimedia elements, user-centered design principles, and ethical considerations like accessibility and inclusivity. This discipline also extends to collaborative writing processes and version control systems, acknowledging the necessity of teamwork in producing accurate and up-to-date technical documentation. The use of multi-modality and the interfacing of multiple media platforms and sources also plays a role in digital technical writing. In essence, technical writing in the digital age encapsulates the art and science of conveying technical information in a manner that is comprehensible and accessible to diverse audiences in our digitally driven society.

==Overview==

=== Aims of Technical Communication ===
As much as technical communication is a discipline in and of itself, it also exists within many other disciplines. Examples of technical communication communities can be found among such varied fields as education, business, and science. Technical documentation within any domain typically embodies a similar aim: to help its audience act toward some sort of task or goal. {{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}}

=== Characteristics of Technical Communication ===
Because technical communication is intended to guide an audience, it must be assembled in such a way that it is easily understood. Successful technical documentation is accurate, logically sound, and appropriate. {{sfn|Perelman|1998}} Communication can be said to be accurate in two different understandings: accurate in description and accurate in content. Accurate descriptions are easy to understand. Accurate content provides for the intended result. Communication that is delivered logically is well-organized and clear and can be approached in a manner that will be coherent for most users. Technical information that is appropriate contains elements and steps that are suitable for the intended purpose and audience.

== Technical Documents ==
Technical writing encompasses various genres and styles, influenced by the information and discourse communities. Not all technical documents are produced by technical writers, as professionals produce various technical documents.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=32}}

Common types of technical communication include:{{sfn|Mussack|2021}}

==== Case Studies ====
Case studies are a form of empirical or observational research that consists of in-depth examination of distinct individuals, groups, events, or scenarios. This research can be used to generate qualitative or quantitative data. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=401-404}}

==== Data Sheets ====
A data sheet, also known as a technical datasheet, is a document used to describe and summarize the characteristics of a product, material, component, or technology. {{sfn|IDA|2020|p=}}

====Descriptions====
Descriptions are concise explanations of procedures and processes that assist readers in understanding how something works. Product descriptions and process descriptions are the two main types of technical descriptions. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=443-453}}

*Product: provides detailed information about a specific item, including its features, specifications, and benefits.
*Process: provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform a particular task or achieve a specific outcome.

==== Documentation ====
Documentation comprises various texts that allow users to accomplish tasks or gain information. It generally falls into three categories, which can be defined as follows:
* Instructions: Text that describes how to complete a task, often offering numbered steps. Examples include how to download software or assemble a product.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=167}}
* Specifications: Communications that deliver technical details on how a product is put together or a specific operation is executed. Also known as "specs," these texts may be written by engineers or technicians.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}
* Procedures and Protocols: Guidelines to ensure consistency, quality, and safety in the workplace. For example, a hospital may provide staff with procedures on how to adapt operations during an emergency, such as a power outage.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}

==== Email ====
Emails are the primary form of communication in the workplace, used for both internal and external communication. They facilitate information exchange, idea exchange, and activity coordination.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=335}} Emails should be brief, concise, readable, and targeted to specific audiences with specific subject lines.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=348}}

==== Letters ====
Letters are a traditional form of communication most often used by employees to communicate with individuals outside of a company or organization. They are typically written on company letterhead. Today, letters are sent either by U.S. mail or electronically. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=139}}

==== Memos ====
A memo (short for memorandum) is an official communication, usually a message from the company, a manager or director, or another person or group acting in an official capacity, used to communicate with others within the same organization. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=353}}

==== Press Releases ====
A press release can be an announcement or recent news that is distributed to media outlets from a company, with intentions on spreading the information to the general public. A press release can be called a press-statement, news release or media release.{{sfn|Pradhan|2021}}

==== Proposals ====
A proposal is a document that identifies an existing problem or opportunity and outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing it. Organizations create ''internal'' proposals to describe programs and projects that meet specific operational needs, such as a plan to replace an outdated software system. Companies develop ''external'' proposals for potential customers or clients. These documents detail new products, services, or initiatives that a company will implement to address a specific customer concern.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=245}}

==== Reports ====
A report is a concise, easily understandable document that presents technical information in a clear, organized format, allowing readers to access varying levels of information. Reports are categorized as informal, such as briefs, and formal, such as research, scientific, and completion reports. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|loc=chpt 10 & 11}}

===== Informal or Brief Reports =====
Informal or brief reports provide an objective overview of an organization's current state, past events, and future plans, ensuring that readers are well-informed about the organization's operations. Some examples include{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=285-288}}:

* Progress Reports. These are used to inform management about the progress or status of a project.
* White papers and Briefings. These educate management or clients about important issues.
* Incident Reports. These objectively focus on presenting facts relating to an accident or irregular occurrence.
* Laboratory Reports. These describe experiments, tests, or inspections.

===== Formal Reports =====
A formal report is a factual and data-driven response to a research question.
* Research reports present the findings of a study.
* Scientific research reports outline the process, progress, and results of technical or scientific research or the current state of a research problem.
* Completion reports assess the outcomes of a project or initiative and provide feedback to management or the client.

==== Resumes ====
Résumés offer an overview of an individual’s educational credentials and professional experience and often are used to demonstrate an applicant’s qualifications to potential employers. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=100}} They may be organized in various ways, but two common approaches are chronologically and by skills. Chronological résumés demonstrate the sequence of education and employment history and detail a person’s tasks, responsibilities, and achievements in each successive role. Skills résumés provide employment history, but the primary focus is to highlight how an individual applied distinct skills and experiences across various professional positions. {{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019|pp=411-412}}

==== User guides ====
A user guide is an instructional manual created to help consumers use the product, service or system. A user guide typically includes step-by-step instructions.{{Sfn|Wainaina|2022}}

==Features of Technical Communication==
Technical communication involves conveying complex information to a specific audience. Key features include accuracy, attention to detail, visuals, and clear and concise organization to enhance user understanding. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

=== Accuracy ===

==== Standards Compliant ====
Many technical fields have industry-specific regulations and guidelines which are determined by governing bodies and that also have an impact on their technical communication. Furthermore, many organizations may have a style guide that outlines preferred language usage, tone, and formatting. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

==== Detailed ====
Accurate information that is delivered with precision and specificity is essential to providing communication that is unambiguous and free of discrepancies. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} It is free of errors and inconsistencies.

==== Objective ====
Objective communication is presented in an unbiased and impartial manner and is free of personal opinions. It relies upon facts and evidence and avoids an overly emotional tone. This approach is particularly important in fields where accuracy and impartiality are essential. {{sfn|Detwiler|2021}}

===== Clear and Concise =====
Technical communication needs to be organized logically, is not unnecessarily involved, and is easily understood by the target audience. The language used should avoid needless jargon and be written in a straightforward manner that avoids redundant word usage and/or excessive explanations. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} {{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

=== Soundness ===

==== Formatted and Organized ====
Technical documents should be formatted in a way that is consistent with the norms and standards of applicable professional fields. Additionally, formatting should adhere to guidelines that enhance usability. Information should be logically organized for easy reading comprehension. This may involve using headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists. Formatting details should remain consistent throughout the document. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} {{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

==== Graphical ====
Technical communication utilizes visuals strategically to facilitate understanding of textual content. Visuals such as diagrams, charts, graphs, or images can enhance understanding of a technical document. When presented properly, they can elucidate difficult concepts and make material accessible to a more diverse audience. {{sfn|AI and the LinkedIn Community|2023}}

=== Appropriateness ===

==== Audience-specific ====
Where possible, technical communication should be customized to align with the knowledge and needs of its audience. Communication style and tone should be tailored to match the audience's level of expertise and should take into consideration such factors as the users' technical background, familiarity with the subject, and specific requirements. {{sfn|Viral Nation|2019}} The tone sets the overall mood for the piece.

==== Document Design ====
Documents' appropriateness requires that readers can quickly understand the message of the document. The document should be of appropriate style and length for the readers' needs.

== Digital Technologies Tools==
With the rise of digital technology, technical writing has had to adapt to the needs of a digital era. The predominant impact of such a revolution was that it made technical communication more accessible by increasing the breadth of its viewers. The World Wide Web is public and, thus, can be accessed by anyone with access to the Internet. Such a phenomenon can be exploited to increase the audience of a virtual document.

Technical writers can use various tools to author and present their documents.

==== Content Management Systems (CMS) ====
A content management system (CMS) is a software application that allows users to create, manage, and modify digital content on a website. It provides a user-friendly interface and tools to easily organize, publish, and update content, including text, images, videos, and documents. Additionally, CMSs often offer features like user permissions, version control, and SEO optimization to enhance the overall website management experience. {{sfn|Barr|2006|p=129}}
Some popular examples of CMS include [https://wordpress.com/ WordPress], [https://www.wix.com/ Wix], and [https://www.blogger.com/about/?bpli=1 Blogger].

==== Image Processing Software ====
Image processing software plays a valuable role in technical and digital writing by facilitating the creation and enhancement of visuals. Documentation and tutorials help optimize images to convey processes or procedures effectively. Whether for screen captures illustrating software interfaces, data visualizations, or graphics for digital content, image processing tools contribute to creating clear and visually appealing materials.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=664}} These tools, such as [https://www.adobe.com/ Adobe] and [https://www.canva.com/ Canva], enhance the visual impact of technical and digital writing, ensuring that images are optimized, informative, and engaging for the audience.

==== Word Processors ====
Word processors are software applications designed for creating, editing, and formatting documents on a computer. They provide many features, such as spell-checking, grammar-checking, and inserting images and tables. These programs are typically used for writing essays, creating reports, or drafting professional documents. {{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=229}} Some popular software applications are [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word Microsoft Word], [https://www.google.com/docs/about/ Google Docs][https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration , SharePoint], and [https://www.apple.com/pages/ Apple Pages]. These programs allow documents to be readily disseminated. Comment capability enables audience members to interact about a document with one another and the author.

==== Text Editors ====
Text editors are fundamental technical and digital writing tools, offering a platform for creating and manipulating plain text files. They are indispensable for programming tasks, providing syntax highlighting and code folding features. Text editors are commonly used to write code, markup languages (HTML, XML, Markdown), and edit configuration files.{{sfn|Godson|p=37-41}} Notable examples include [https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/windows-notepad/9MSMLRH6LZF3?hl=en-US&gl=US Notepad] (Windows), [https://support.apple.com/guide/textedit/welcome/mac TextEdit] (macOS), and [https://notepad-plus-plus.org/ Notepad++]. Whether for programmers, writers, or system administrators, text editors play a crucial role in content creation and technical work.

==Historical Context==
===Technical Writing Profession===
Joseph P. Chapline is considered to be one of the first technical writers, having written in 1949 the first ever user manual for the Binary Automatic Computer (BINAC), an early personal computer.{{sfn|Malone|2008}} In the 1950s, technical writing as a distinct profession began to take shape when technical writers founded formal organizations, academic programs, and conferences dedicated to the art. One of these key writing associations was the Association of Technical Writers and Editors, also formed in the 1950s. Several of these groups eventually merged, forming the Society of Technical Communication in 1960.{{sfn|Malone|2011|pp=285-306}}

The need for paperwork ushered in by World War II served as the driving force for the technical writing profession in the United States. {{sfn|Rathbone|1958}} This was a time years before the computer and photocopier became common office equipment. During this period, the role of the technical writer revolved solely around words, and their primary work tools consisted of either a pencil or ink pen and paper. The technical writer would draft the document by hand, and a typist or clerical worker would then use a typewriter to transfer the writer's words into a finished document.

Advances in technology thrust the technical writing profession into a new era. The work of the technical writer may now also include not only text, but also images, drawings, and computer-based media. The current role of the technical writer is not only to write, but they may also be involved in research and information gathering, speaking with technical experts, and selecting document mediums and project tools. {{sfn|Macari|2023}}

The projects of today's technical writers can be as varied as writing instructions to assemble a living room chair to creating websites. {{sfn|Grimstead|1999}} And the titles of today's technical writers may vary as well. They may be referred to by names as diverse as information architects to documentation specialists. {{sfn|Grimstead|1999}}

==Personas in Digital Writing==
Personas in the context of digital writing, which is writing composed, created and read in digital environments, refer to semi-fictional characters that encapsulate the characteristics, behaviors, and needs of target audience segments. They align closely with the principles of user-centered design (UCD).{{sfn|Lucas|2023a}}
There are myriad ways to integrate user-centered thinking into the creative process of UX design, and personas are one of the most effective ways to empathize with and analyze users.{{sfn|Goltz|2014}}

Personas may guide the creation of documentation and tutorials catering to different user needs. It is crucial to adjust the language and tone to match the persona preference. Different personas can influence and guide the design of the project.

==Rhetorical Strategies in the Digital Age==
Rhetoric is a communication strategy whose primary goal is to persuade an audience. It is grounded in three foundational concepts first defined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. These concepts are ''logos'', which engages with the reader’s sense of logic or reason; ''pathos'', which appeals to the reader’s emotions; and ''ethos'', which addresses the audience’s values and the writer’s credibility. Within this framework, writers utilize specific techniques or devices to influence and engage readers. Examples include appealing to an audience’s sense of logic by using factual examples to support a point or evoking emotion through descriptive visual language. {{sfn|Gagich|Zickel|n.d.|pp=34-37}}

In today’s digital age, writers can use digital technologies as rhetorical devices to influence the reader. Electronic images and informational graphics can be incorporated into digital and online documents to illustrate or reinforce points made in the text.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}} Hyperlinks can be used to provide additional information that supports the author's ideas. Nevertheless, the writer's basic task of informing and persuading an audience is the same in digital communication as in other forms of writing.{{sfn|DeVoss|National Writing Project|Eidman-Aadahl|Hicks|2010|p=105}}

Rhetorical analysis involves analyzing the demographics and habits of an intended audience. The information gathered allows writers to craft messages that appeal to the target audience. In the digital age, websites and social media platforms convey rhetorical messages.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|pp=6-14}}

==Search Engine Optimization (SEO)==
SEO refers to the practice of optimizing online content to enhance its visibility and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs), making it a crucial skill for digital writers.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize content for SEO means to have the goal of SEO in mind at the time of designing, creating, and writing a web page for publication. Using keywords and alt-text are two examples of optimizing content for SEO. {{sfn|Barr|2010|loc=chpt. 17}}

=== Keywords ===
Keywords are the words that search engines crawl a website for and index as the page's most important words. Based on other pages using the same keywords, the website is added into the search engine results pages from best matches to worse matches. Depending on where the website falls in that scale based on the specific keywords being searched by a user, influences where the website pops up in the associated search results.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize a website's keywords, you should begin with researching keywords on your own website and ensure that you have an XML [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitemaps sitemap] so search engine's such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google Google] can crawl your web pages for updated information. In addition to using keywords, updating a page's metadata information can also help with showing up on SERPs. Using title and header tags as well as meta descriptions for content also helps optimize a website's ratings in SERPs.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Alt-Text ===
Alt-Text (alternative text), or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute Alt Attributes], is a practice that increases the usability and accessibility of a web page for users. Alt-Text is often used for visual elements that cannot be displayed in a different format but still provides description of the element for screen readers or users that may have a disability. Alt-Text also improves a website's SEO as a form of content optimization.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Social Media Presence ===
Sharing content from a website across different social media platforms is another way to create SEO optimization. This technique can help with being seen as legitimate and improves visibility of the website overall. Additionally it can drive traffic and enables back-linking to occur when other websites have the ability to also link to the website.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Goals of Searching: The User's Perspective ===
A user of search engines formulates queries by using keywords or posing questions. One of the most important elements of building an SEO strategy for a website is developing a thorough understanding of the psychology of your target audience, and how they use words and concepts to obtain information about the services and/or products you provide. Once you understand how the average search engine user—and, more specifically, your target audience—utilizes query-based search engines, you can more effectively reach and keep those users. {{sfn|Enge|Spencer|Stricchiola|2022|p=9}}

==Digital Documentation ==
Digital documentation is the conversion of physical documents into digital files, enabling easier access, retrieval, and sharing of information. It includes features like searchability, version control, and security measures to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.{{sfn|Lucas|2014}}

===Characteristics of Digital Documents===

==== Electronic Format ====
Digital documents exist in electronic formats, which means they are stored and transmitted as binary data. This format allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and transmission of information via electronic devices.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}} Digital documentation is the only method to meet a critical challenge of the relatively new concept of "knowledge management" that applies to all organizations. A digital knowledge management system is crucial to an organization so everyone can access information created by employees who are no longer with the organization or cross-referencing with other seemingly unrelated departments.{{sfn|IBM}}

==== Non-Tangible ====
Unlike paper documents, digital documents lack physical presence. They are intangible and exist as electronic files, residing on devices or in the cloud.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Accessibility ====
Website content should be designed in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access the same information as those without disabilities.{{sfn|WAI|2022}} It is a legal requirement to include accessibility features in website design.{{sfn|WCAG|2023}} There are four different types of impairment that can affect how a user interacts and perceives digital documents: vision, mobility, auditory, and cognitive.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=42}}Digital documents will need to be optimized so that information can be accessed by hardware and software tools used by people with disabilities.{{sfn|Barr|2010|pp=103-104}}

====Readability====
Digital documents rely on the "Seven Cs" of precise writing to be effective and increase readability. Forms of technical writing must have readability. Readability is a term used to determine whether the content has clarity, conciseness and courtesy.{{sfn|Zeleznik|Burnett|Benson|1999|p=207}} The other four Cs are coherent, concrete, correct and complete.{{sfn|Last|2019}}

====Scannability====
A document's scannability is determined by the ease in which it can be scanned to determine meaning. Readers often scan pages for words and phrases that align with their task or interests, as well as for trigger words that are deeply ingrained.{{sfn|Krug|2014|p=23}} The most effective web content is concise and simple to scan, making it easy for users to find the important information. Breaking up text into interesting, easy-to-read sections helps users quickly find information. {{sfn|Barr|2010|p=103}}

==== Ease of Reproduction and Distribution ====
Digital documents are easily copied and distributed. They can be duplicated without any loss of quality, making it simple to share information widely and at minimal cost.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Hyperlinking====
Hyperlinking is a quick and efficient method for directing readers to relevant information in digital documents, facilitating seamless navigation between sections, references, and external resources.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=79}}

====Multimedia====
Digital documents can incorporate multimedia elements like images, audio, video, and interactive content, enhancing engagement through visual and auditory elements. Multiple media formats work best when sharing new, complicated ideas.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=36}} Increasing multimodality on a website improves engagement, usability, and accessibility. This can improve the impact of the website's standings in SERPs.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

====Version Control====
Version control is a characteristic of digital documents that allows for the tracking of edits and revisions to digital documents. In collaborative writing, version control helps maintain the document with accountability and transparency.{{sfn|Lucas|2023d}}

==== Remote Collaboration ====
One form of collaborative technical writing is a wiki, which is a "Web site developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content.{{sfn|Lucas|2021}} One of the predominant elements of a wiki is that it is defined as being open source. As a result, anyone can modify it regardless of their geographic locations.

==== Security Measures ====
Digital documents can be protected with encryption, passwords, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information. These security measures enhance data protection and privacy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Environmental Impact ====
Digital documents have a smaller environmental footprint compared to paper documents, as they reduce the need for paper production, printing, and transportation.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Dynamic Updates ====
Online digital documents can be updated dynamically, ensuring that users always have access to the most current information. This is particularly valuable in fast-changing fields.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Global Accessibility ====
Digital documents can be shared globally, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones. They support international collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge on a global scale.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Data Integration ====
In business and research settings, digital documents can integrate with databases and data analysis tools. This integration streamlines data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Data Analytics ====
Digital documents can be subjected to data analytics techniques, allowing organizations to extract valuable insights from large volumes of textual data, which can inform decision-making and strategy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==Examples of Digital Documents==
In technical and professional writing, digital documentation takes various forms. These methods streamline the sharing of technical information, enhance collaboration, and ensure easy accessibility within professional settings, contributing to efficient communication and knowledge dissemination.

==== Infographics ====
Infographics, shared as digital documents, typically combine text, graphics, and illustrations to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing format. Infographics are often used to simplify information, making it more accessible to a broader audience, and are found in presentations, reports, websites, and educational materials. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=292-293}}

==== Presentations ====
Presentations created with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint PowerPoint] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Slides Google Slides] are vital for professional communication and knowledge sharing. They condense complex information into visually appealing slides for effective presentations by using photos, videos, graphics, charts, and graphs.{{sfn|Parkinson|2018|loc=chpt. 4}}

==== Blogs ====
A blog, short for "weblog," is an informational website organized into short articles called posts, typically chronologically ordered series of website updates, written and organized similar to a traditional diary.{{sfn|Bair|2014|p=7}} They are regularly updated, providing readers with insights on a specific topic or subject. Blogs serve various purposes, including sharing opinions, providing news, offering educational content, and documenting personal experiences.{{sfn|Rose|Garret|2012|p=2}}

==User Experience==
User experience (UX) is how a product works from the perspective of the user. Digital documents can be created with efficient user experiences by practicing several design methods, including user-centered design, information architecture, responsive design, and usability.

=== User-Centered Design ===
The approach of user-centered design (UCD) in technical writing consists of the following methodology{{sfn|Lucas|2023e}}:

==== User Research ====
User research is the act of conducting thorough research through surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gain a better understanding of user needs and experiences when using a digital document.

==== Ideation and Prototyping ====
Ideation and prototyping refers to the process of creating digital designs and prototypes to assist with exploring possible solutions to meet user needs.

==== Usability Testing ====
Usability testing refers to the act of having users interact with digital document designs and recording and adjusting the design based on user feedback.

==== Implementation ====
Implementation is the stage in which the design is implemented after making adjustments from prior testing.

==== Evaluation ====
Evaluation refers to the stage in which the digital document is assessed to ensure that it is meeting user needs.

==== Maintenance and Updates ====
Maintenance and updates are required in order to maintain a digital document based on user feedback and changing needs.

===Information Architecture===

To ensure a digital document has effective UX design and accessible information, technical writers need to construct a clear and organized information architecture (IA). IA is a design principle that organizes information so that it is easily found and understood by users, prioritizing their needs and reducing information overload. A design challenge is making IA understood across multiple digital experiences, changing the navigation structure to fit different medias while staying logical and consistent for the user.{{sfn| Rosenfeld |pp=1, 17-18}} IA that is not constructed well can confuse the user and could cause them to give up their search of information in frustration.{{sfn| Garrand |pp=12}}

The architecture components of IA can be divided into four different categories:{{sfn| Rosenfeld |pp=90}}

*Organization systems: how information is categorized and organized for user understanding

*Labeling systems: how information is represented

*Navigation systems: how users browse information and navigate between pages

*Searching systems: how users search for specific information

===Responsive Design===

Responsive design is a strategy that appropriately updates the layout and content of a website or document in relation to the screen size, device, and/or orientation, allowing the site or document to be easily viewed and navigated regardless of device used. With the increased use of mobile devices, web content should be constructed with proper responsive web design (RWD) to ensure effective UX and usability on those devices.{{sfn| Robbins| pp=485}}

There are several design strategies that can be implemented that will increase the success of RWD:{{sfn| Robbins| pp=487}}

*Fluid layout – Responsive sites can be constructed using a fluid layout (or flexible grid) system that will allow content to adjust and flow according to the available screen space.

*Flexible and responsive images – Images and other embedded media can be instructed so that they fit their containers instead of remaining at a fixed size. Images with varying resolutions can also be swapped according to screen size to avoid high-resolution images on smaller devices.

*CSS media queries – Media queries can be written into the CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), which would instruct the construction of the site according to screen width and orientation. Adding breakpoints for several screen sizes allows pages to be designed for specific devices.

*Content hierarchy – Carefully constructing content that is organized for the user and creating a hierarchy of content that prioritizes user needs is necessary to ensure effective user experience and navigation across multiple screen sizes.{{sfn| Robbins| pp=499}}

===Usability===

Technical writers must create documents and websites that meet the expectations of their readers and users, and in doing so, writers increase the usability of their site or document.{{sfn| Garrand | pp=26}}

==Ethical Considerations==
In technical workplaces, resolving ethical dilemmas will be part of one's job. Resources, time, and reputations are at stake, so one will feel pressure to overpromise, underdeliver, bend the rules, cook the numbers, or exaggerate results. Technical fields are also highly competitive, so people sometimes stretch a little further than they should. Ethical dilemmas can force one into situations in which all choices seem unsatisfactory.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=71-84}}

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world's oldest professional association dedicated to advancing the field of technical communication.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023a}} The STC promotes adherence to a list of ethical principles. They are legality, honesty, confidentiality, quality, fairness, and professionalism.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023b}}

Technical communicators also have to be careful to avoid plagiarism, or taking ideas, thoughts, or words from someone else and passing them off as one's own.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

Technical communicators have ethical standards to which they must abide. The standards are divided into three primary categories. They are the employer, the public, and the environment.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

=== The Employer ===
Obligations to one's employer include competence and diligence, honesty and candor, confidentiality, and loyalty.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} The technical communicator must adhere to these obligations so that he/she does not harm the reputation or operation of the employer.

Technical communicators may occasionally work for an organization with strict privacy policies that prohibit them from using the documents they create outside of the organization. It is important for ethical communicators to follow the privacy policy for their organization because unauthorized release of information could lead to consequences up to and including termination.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

=== The Public ===
Organizations are obligated to treat customers fairly. Technical communicators must convey that the products or services an organization sells are safe and effective.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

=== The Environment ===
Technical communicators have an obligation to the environment. This obligation includes alerting their supervisors, managers, and executive leadership to products or processes that are detrimental to the environment. Protecting the environment can be costly, however, and organizations may consider ignoring legal guidelines to save money.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} Yet, failure to adhere to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations also has financial implications. For example, the penalty for mishandling hazardous waste is five years and/or up to $50,000 for each day of the violation.{{sfn|EPA|2023}}

===Disinformation===
One major ethical concern in all forms of writing, but especially in digital writing, is the creation and spread of disinformation. Disinformation, often referred to as "[[w:Fake news|fake news]]," is information that is purposefully spread as false or misleading and is a sub-type of misinformation.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|loc=section 3.7}} Modern communication technologies allow for the spread of information to occur at a fast pace. Social media is one area where the spread of disinformation occurs regularly. Some social media sites, such as Facebook, have begun to flag certain articles posted on the site as being questionable in their representation of facts or occurrences. Despite the widespread understanding and use of disinformation available today, digital writers need to be aware of their intent and the audience's needs and wants from their digital communication.{{sfn|Lucas|2023f}} Ethical considerations regarding citing sources, cross-referencing information, and using primary sources are good practices for maintaining ethical standing and credibility as a digital writer.

To help mitigate the problem of disinformation, technical writers should utilize gatekeepers. These individuals verify the accuracy of the information before it is distributed to primary readers. This helps protect the author from any ethical and/or legal issues.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

==Pedagogical Approaches==
Barriers to teaching technical communications include the speed at which digital tools evolve and the complexity of software. {{sfn|Hovde|Renguette|2017|pp=395-411}}

Informal writing, such as some emailing, instant messaging, and texting, has crept into academic writing. In a study conducted by the Pew Internet & America Life Project, almost half of the respondents admitted to omitting proper punctuation and capitalization. Others even used emoticons. Colleges and universities now must focus on educating students on the different forms of written communication and when best to employ them.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

==Future Trends and Challenges==
===Future Trends===
Between 2022 and 2032, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Labor_Statistics, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics] is projecting a 7% job growth for technical writers. {{sfn|United States Bureau of Labor Statistics|2023}} To be relevant as a technical writer in the digital age, one must possess the skills of conducting in-depth research, critical thinking, being detail oriented, design, and technical expertise. To succeed at communicating the complex to specific audiences, the technical writer must understand much of the subject in its complexity. This is accomplished through possessing the skills of communication, collaboration, and teamwork.{{sfn|Fechter|2023}}

===Challenges===
Among others, a prominent barrier to technical writers is the dependency on input information accuracy. Outdated, incorrect, or inconsistent data delays the publication, requires more reparative efforts, and decreases productivity.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}} Also, technical writers often have to contend with complex, outdated or unsuitable tools. This can make their job more difficult and time-consuming, and can lead to frustration and errors.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}}

===Artificial Intelligence===
Artificial intelligence programs, utilizing natural language processing, are capable of producing technical writing and have advanced in recent years becoming more adept.{{sfn|Marr|2023}}

One such program is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT ChatGPT], which uses machine learning to produce texts with human-like style and tone. {{sfn|University of Central Arkansas|2023}} Another leader in this area, Contentbot, uses a WordPress plugin which gives blog writers ideas to enhance their posts which are shared via email.{{sfn|Siddiqui|2022}}

===Plagiarism===
Because of the ability of chatbots to imitate human-like language, some education administrators have taken precautions to minimize the occurrence of students passing off artificially generated texts as their own. In some instances, educators have taken the view that material drawn from artificial intelligence software must be handled in the same way as sources from human authors. {{sfn|Klein|2023}} In such cases, students who incorporate artificially generated text into their work have been made to denote credit for the artificial intelligence program utilized.

===Credit===
The advent of chatbots has complicated the issue of credit where creative work is concerned. Because chatbots can simulate human speech, their ability to create cinematic dialogues and other types of creative writing have threatened the credits and financial condition of professional writers. According to an article by Aaron Mok and Jacob Zinkula on ''[https://www.businessinsider.com/ Business Insider]'', writing jobs are among the top 10 roles that AI is most likely to replace. {{sfn|Mok|2023}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

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* {{cite web |url=https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-intro/|title=Introduction to Web Accessibility |last=WAI |first=|date=2022 |website=W3.org|publisher= |access-date= 2023-10-26 |quote= }}
* {{cite web |url=https://scribehow.com/library/user-guide |title=What is a User Guide? Everything You Need to Know |last=Wainaina |first=Timan |date=2022 |website= |publisher= |access-date=22 November 2023 |quote= }}
* {{cite web |url=https://wcag.com/legal/|title=Accessibility and the Law |last=WCAG |first= |date=2023 |website=wcag.com|publisher=eSSENTIAL Accessibility |access-date= 2023-10-26 |quote= }}
* {{cite book |last=Zeleznik |first=J. M. |last2=Burnett |first2=R. E. |last3=Benson |first3=P. J. |date=1999 |title=Technical Writing: What It Is and How to Do It |url= |location= |publisher=National Book Network |pages=107 |isbn= |author-link= }}
* {{cite book |last=Balzotti |first=Jon |date=2022 |title=Technical Communication: A Design-Centric Approach, (2nd ed.)|location=New York, NY |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9780367438302 }}

{{Refend}}

[[Category:Fall 2023]]
[[Category:ENGL 5106]]

Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-27T03:48:32Z

HRoney: /* Future Trends and Challenges */

'''Technical Writing in the Digital Age''' represents the dynamic and evolving discipline of creating written materials that convey complex information, instructions, and technical concepts in the context of contemporary digital technologies. Its purview encompasses the creation, dissemination, and management of technical documents and content within an expansive digital landscape. Connected networks of workstations, laptops, cell phones, tablets, and servers are the central nervous system in the technical workplace.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=2}}

Major considerations revolve around adapting traditional principles of rhetoric to digital platforms, ensuring effective communication in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. Key factors include integrating multimedia elements, user-centered design principles, and ethical considerations like accessibility and inclusivity. This discipline also extends to collaborative writing processes and version control systems, acknowledging the necessity of teamwork in producing accurate and up-to-date technical documentation. The use of multi-modality and the interfacing of multiple media platforms and sources also plays a role in digital technical writing. In essence, technical writing in the digital age encapsulates the art and science of conveying technical information in a manner that is comprehensible and accessible to diverse audiences in our digitally driven society.

==Overview==

=== Aims of Technical Communication ===
As much as technical communication is a discipline in and of itself, it also exists within many other disciplines. Examples of technical communication communities can be found among such varied fields as education, business, and science. Technical documentation within any domain typically embodies a similar aim: to help its audience act toward some sort of task or goal. {{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}}

=== Characteristics of Technical Communication ===
Because technical communication is intended to guide an audience, it must be assembled in such a way that it is easily understood. Successful technical documentation is accurate, logically sound, and appropriate. {{sfn|Perelman|1998}} Communication can be said to be accurate in two different understandings: accurate in description and accurate in content. Accurate descriptions are easy to understand. Accurate content provides for the intended result. Communication that is delivered logically is well-organized and clear and can be approached in a manner that will be coherent for most users. Technical information that is appropriate contains elements and steps that are suitable for the intended purpose and audience.

== Technical Documents ==
Technical writing encompasses various genres and styles, influenced by the information and discourse communities. Not all technical documents are produced by technical writers, as professionals produce various technical documents.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=32}}

Common types of technical communication include:{{sfn|Mussack|2021}}

==== Case Studies ====
Case studies are a form of empirical or observational research that consists of in-depth examination of distinct individuals, groups, events, or scenarios. This research can be used to generate qualitative or quantitative data. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=401-404}}

==== Data Sheets ====
A data sheet, also known as a technical datasheet, is a document used to describe and summarize the characteristics of a product, material, component, or technology. {{sfn|IDA|2020|p=}}

====Descriptions====
Descriptions are concise explanations of procedures and processes that assist readers in understanding how something works. Product descriptions and process descriptions are the two main types of technical descriptions. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=443-453}}

*Product: provides detailed information about a specific item, including its features, specifications, and benefits.
*Process: provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform a particular task or achieve a specific outcome.

==== Documentation ====
Documentation comprises various texts that allow users to accomplish tasks or gain information. It generally falls into three categories, which can be defined as follows:
* Instructions: Text that describes how to complete a task, often offering numbered steps. Examples include how to download software or assemble a product.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=167}}
* Specifications: Communications that deliver technical details on how a product is put together or a specific operation is executed. Also known as "specs," these texts may be written by engineers or technicians.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}
* Procedures and Protocols: Guidelines to ensure consistency, quality, and safety in the workplace. For example, a hospital may provide staff with procedures on how to adapt operations during an emergency, such as a power outage.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}

==== Email ====
Emails are the primary form of communication in the workplace, used for both internal and external communication. They facilitate information exchange, idea exchange, and activity coordination.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=335}} Emails should be brief, concise, readable, and targeted to specific audiences with specific subject lines.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=348}}

==== Letters ====
Letters are a traditional form of communication most often used by employees to communicate with individuals outside of a company or organization. They are typically written on company letterhead. Today, letters are sent either by U.S. mail or electronically. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=139}}

==== Memos ====
A memo (short for memorandum) is an official communication, usually a message from the company, a manager or director, or another person or group acting in an official capacity, used to communicate with others within the same organization. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=353}}

==== Press Releases ====
A press release can be an announcement or recent news that is distributed to media outlets from a company, with intentions on spreading the information to the general public. A press release can be called a press-statement, news release or media release.{{sfn|Pradhan|2021}}

==== Proposals ====
A proposal is a document that identifies an existing problem or opportunity and outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing it. Organizations create ''internal'' proposals to describe programs and projects that meet specific operational needs, such as a plan to replace an outdated software system. Companies develop ''external'' proposals for potential customers or clients. These documents detail new products, services, or initiatives that a company will implement to address a specific customer concern.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=245}}

==== Reports ====
A report is a concise, easily understandable document that presents technical information in a clear, organized format, allowing readers to access varying levels of information. Reports are categorized as informal, such as briefs, and formal, such as research, scientific, and completion reports. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|loc=chpt 10 & 11}}

===== Informal or Brief Reports =====
Informal or brief reports provide an objective overview of an organization's current state, past events, and future plans, ensuring that readers are well-informed about the organization's operations. Some examples include{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=285-288}}:

* Progress Reports. These are used to inform management about the progress or status of a project.
* White papers and Briefings. These educate management or clients about important issues.
* Incident Reports. These objectively focus on presenting facts relating to an accident or irregular occurrence.
* Laboratory Reports. These describe experiments, tests, or inspections.

===== Formal Reports =====
A formal report is a factual and data-driven response to a research question.
* Research reports present the findings of a study.
* Scientific research reports outline the process, progress, and results of technical or scientific research or the current state of a research problem.
* Completion reports assess the outcomes of a project or initiative and provide feedback to management or the client.

==== Resumes ====
Résumés offer an overview of an individual’s educational credentials and professional experience and often are used to demonstrate an applicant’s qualifications to potential employers. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=100}} They may be organized in various ways, but two common approaches are chronologically and by skills. Chronological résumés demonstrate the sequence of education and employment history and detail a person’s tasks, responsibilities, and achievements in each successive role. Skills résumés provide employment history, but the primary focus is to highlight how an individual applied distinct skills and experiences across various professional positions. {{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019|pp=411-412}}

==== User guides ====
A user guide is an instructional manual created to help consumers use the product, service or system. A user guide typically includes step-by-step instructions.{{Sfn|Wainaina|2022}}

==Features of Technical Communication==
Technical communication involves conveying complex information to a specific audience. Key features include accuracy, attention to detail, visuals, and clear and concise organization to enhance user understanding. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

=== Accuracy ===

==== Standards Compliant ====
Many technical fields have industry-specific regulations and guidelines which are determined by governing bodies and that also have an impact on their technical communication. Furthermore, many organizations may have a style guide that outlines preferred language usage, tone, and formatting. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

==== Detailed ====
Accurate information that is delivered with precision and specificity is essential to providing communication that is unambiguous and free of discrepancies. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} It is free of errors and inconsistencies.

==== Objective ====
Objective communication is presented in an unbiased and impartial manner and is free of personal opinions. It relies upon facts and evidence and avoids an overly emotional tone. This approach is particularly important in fields where accuracy and impartiality are essential. {{sfn|Detwiler|2021}}

===== Clear and Concise =====
Technical communication needs to be organized logically, is not unnecessarily involved, and is easily understood by the target audience. The language used should avoid needless jargon and be written in a straightforward manner that avoids redundant word usage and/or excessive explanations. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} {{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

=== Soundness ===

==== Formatted and Organized ====
Technical documents should be formatted in a way that is consistent with the norms and standards of applicable professional fields. Additionally, formatting should adhere to guidelines that enhance usability. Information should be logically organized for easy reading comprehension. This may involve using headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists. Formatting details should remain consistent throughout the document. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} {{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

==== Graphical ====
Technical communication utilizes visuals strategically to facilitate understanding of textual content. Visuals such as diagrams, charts, graphs, or images can enhance understanding of a technical document. When presented properly, they can elucidate difficult concepts and make material accessible to a more diverse audience. {{sfn|AI and the LinkedIn Community|2023}}

=== Appropriateness ===

==== Audience-specific ====
Where possible, technical communication should be customized to align with the knowledge and needs of its audience. Communication style and tone should be tailored to match the audience's level of expertise and should take into consideration such factors as the users' technical background, familiarity with the subject, and specific requirements. {{sfn|Viral Nation|2019}}

==== Document Design ====
Documents' appropriateness requires that readers can quickly understand the message of the document. The document should be of appropriate style and length for the readers' needs.

== Digital Technologies Tools==
With the rise of digital technology, technical writing has had to adapt to the needs of a digital era. The predominant impact of such a revolution was that it made technical communication more accessible by increasing the breadth of its viewers. The World Wide Web is public and, thus, can be accessed by anyone with access to the Internet. Such a phenomenon can be exploited to increase the audience of a virtual document.

Technical writers can use various tools to author and present their documents.

==== Content Management Systems (CMS) ====
A content management system (CMS) is a software application that allows users to create, manage, and modify digital content on a website. It provides a user-friendly interface and tools to easily organize, publish, and update content, including text, images, videos, and documents. Additionally, CMSs often offer features like user permissions, version control, and SEO optimization to enhance the overall website management experience. {{sfn|Barr|2006|p=129}}
Some popular examples of CMS include [https://wordpress.com/ WordPress], [https://www.wix.com/ Wix], and [https://www.blogger.com/about/?bpli=1 Blogger].

==== Image Processing Software ====
Image processing software plays a valuable role in technical and digital writing by facilitating the creation and enhancement of visuals. Documentation and tutorials help optimize images to convey processes or procedures effectively. Whether for screen captures illustrating software interfaces, data visualizations, or graphics for digital content, image processing tools contribute to creating clear and visually appealing materials.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=664}} These tools, such as [https://www.adobe.com/ Adobe] and [https://www.canva.com/ Canva], enhance the visual impact of technical and digital writing, ensuring that images are optimized, informative, and engaging for the audience.

==== Word Processors ====
Word processors are software applications designed for creating, editing, and formatting documents on a computer. They provide many features, such as spell-checking, grammar-checking, and inserting images and tables. These programs are typically used for writing essays, creating reports, or drafting professional documents. {{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=229}} Some popular software applications are [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word Microsoft Word], [https://www.google.com/docs/about/ Google Docs][https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration , SharePoint], and [https://www.apple.com/pages/ Apple Pages]. These programs allow documents to be readily disseminated. Comment capability enables audience members to interact about a document with one another and the author.

==== Text Editors ====
Text editors are fundamental technical and digital writing tools, offering a platform for creating and manipulating plain text files. They are indispensable for programming tasks, providing syntax highlighting and code folding features. Text editors are commonly used to write code, markup languages (HTML, XML, Markdown), and edit configuration files.{{sfn|Godson|p=37-41}} Notable examples include [https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/windows-notepad/9MSMLRH6LZF3?hl=en-US&gl=US Notepad] (Windows), [https://support.apple.com/guide/textedit/welcome/mac TextEdit] (macOS), and [https://notepad-plus-plus.org/ Notepad++]. Whether for programmers, writers, or system administrators, text editors play a crucial role in content creation and technical work.

==Historical Context==
===Technical Writing Profession===
Joseph P. Chapline is considered to be one of the first technical writers, having written in 1949 the first ever user manual for the Binary Automatic Computer (BINAC), an early personal computer.{{sfn|Malone|2008}} In the 1950s, technical writing as a distinct profession began to take shape when technical writers founded formal organizations, academic programs, and conferences dedicated to the art. One of these key writing associations was the Association of Technical Writers and Editors, also formed in the 1950s. Several of these groups eventually merged, forming the Society of Technical Communication in 1960.{{sfn|Malone|2011|pp=285-306}}

The need for paperwork ushered in by World War II served as the driving force for the technical writing profession in the United States. {{sfn|Rathbone|1958}} This was a time years before the computer and photocopier became common office equipment. During this period, the role of the technical writer revolved solely around words, and their primary work tools consisted of either a pencil or ink pen and paper. The technical writer would draft the document by hand, and a typist or clerical worker would then use a typewriter to transfer the writer's words into a finished document.

Advances in technology thrust the technical writing profession into a new era. The work of the technical writer may now also include not only text, but also images, drawings, and computer-based media. The current role of the technical writer is not only to write, but they may also be involved in research and information gathering, speaking with technical experts, and selecting document mediums and project tools. {{sfn|Macari|2023}}

The projects of today's technical writers can be as varied as writing instructions to assemble a living room chair to creating websites. {{sfn|Grimstead|1999}} And the titles of today's technical writers may vary as well. They may be referred to by names as diverse as information architects to documentation specialists. {{sfn|Grimstead|1999}}

==Personas in Digital Writing==
Personas in the context of digital writing, which is writing composed, created and read in digital environments, refer to semi-fictional characters that encapsulate the characteristics, behaviors, and needs of target audience segments. They align closely with the principles of user-centered design (UCD).{{sfn|Lucas|2023a}}
There are myriad ways to integrate user-centered thinking into the creative process of UX design, and personas are one of the most effective ways to empathize with and analyze users.{{sfn|Goltz|2014}}

Personas may guide the creation of documentation and tutorials catering to different user needs. It is crucial to adjust the language and tone to match the persona preference. Different personas can influence and guide the design of the project.

==Rhetorical Strategies in the Digital Age==
Rhetoric is a communication strategy whose primary goal is to persuade an audience. It is grounded in three foundational concepts first defined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. These concepts are ''logos'', which engages with the reader’s sense of logic or reason; ''pathos'', which appeals to the reader’s emotions; and ''ethos'', which addresses the audience’s values and the writer’s credibility. Within this framework, writers utilize specific techniques or devices to influence and engage readers. Examples include appealing to an audience’s sense of logic by using factual examples to support a point or evoking emotion through descriptive visual language. {{sfn|Gagich|Zickel|n.d.|pp=34-37}}

In today’s digital age, writers can use digital technologies as rhetorical devices to influence the reader. Electronic images and informational graphics can be incorporated into digital and online documents to illustrate or reinforce points made in the text.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}} Hyperlinks can be used to provide additional information that supports the author's ideas. Nevertheless, the writer's basic task of informing and persuading an audience is the same in digital communication as in other forms of writing.{{sfn|DeVoss|National Writing Project|Eidman-Aadahl|Hicks|2010|p=105}}

Rhetorical analysis involves analyzing the demographics and habits of an intended audience. The information gathered allows writers to craft messages that appeal to the target audience. In the digital age, websites and social media platforms convey rhetorical messages.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|pp=6-14}}

==Search Engine Optimization (SEO)==
SEO refers to the practice of optimizing online content to enhance its visibility and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs), making it a crucial skill for digital writers.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize content for SEO means to have the goal of SEO in mind at the time of designing, creating, and writing a web page for publication. Using keywords and alt-text are two examples of optimizing content for SEO. {{sfn|Barr|2010|loc=chpt. 17}}

=== Keywords ===
Keywords are the words that search engines crawl a website for and index as the page's most important words. Based on other pages using the same keywords, the website is added into the search engine results pages from best matches to worse matches. Depending on where the website falls in that scale based on the specific keywords being searched by a user, influences where the website pops up in the associated search results.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize a website's keywords, you should begin with researching keywords on your own website and ensure that you have an XML [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitemaps sitemap] so search engine's such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google Google] can crawl your web pages for updated information. In addition to using keywords, updating a page's metadata information can also help with showing up on SERPs. Using title and header tags as well as meta descriptions for content also helps optimize a website's ratings in SERPs.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Alt-Text ===
Alt-Text (alternative text), or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute Alt Attributes], is a practice that increases the usability and accessibility of a web page for users. Alt-Text is often used for visual elements that cannot be displayed in a different format but still provides description of the element for screen readers or users that may have a disability. Alt-Text also improves a website's SEO as a form of content optimization.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Social Media Presence ===
Sharing content from a website across different social media platforms is another way to create SEO optimization. This technique can help with being seen as legitimate and improves visibility of the website overall. Additionally it can drive traffic and enables back-linking to occur when other websites have the ability to also link to the website.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Goals of Searching: The User's Perspective ===
A user of search engines formulates queries by using keywords or posing questions. One of the most important elements of building an SEO strategy for a website is developing a thorough understanding of the psychology of your target audience, and how they use words and concepts to obtain information about the services and/or products you provide. Once you understand how the average search engine user—and, more specifically, your target audience—utilizes query-based search engines, you can more effectively reach and keep those users. {{sfn|Enge|Spencer|Stricchiola|2022|p=9}}

==Digital Documentation ==
Digital documentation is the conversion of physical documents into digital files, enabling easier access, retrieval, and sharing of information. It includes features like searchability, version control, and security measures to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.{{sfn|Lucas|2014}}

===Characteristics of Digital Documents===

==== Electronic Format ====
Digital documents exist in electronic formats, which means they are stored and transmitted as binary data. This format allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and transmission of information via electronic devices.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}} Digital documentation is the only method to meet a critical challenge of the relatively new concept of "knowledge management" that applies to all organizations. A digital knowledge management system is crucial to an organization so everyone can access information created by employees who are no longer with the organization or cross-referencing with other seemingly unrelated departments.{{sfn|IBM}}

==== Non-Tangible ====
Unlike paper documents, digital documents lack physical presence. They are intangible and exist as electronic files, residing on devices or in the cloud.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Accessibility ====
Website content should be designed in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access the same information as those without disabilities.{{sfn|WAI|2022}} It is a legal requirement to include accessibility features in website design.{{sfn|WCAG|2023}} There are four different types of impairment that can affect how a user interacts and perceives digital documents: vision, mobility, auditory, and cognitive.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=42}}Digital documents will need to be optimized so that information can be accessed by hardware and software tools used by people with disabilities.{{sfn|Barr|2010|pp=103-104}}

====Readability====
Digital documents rely on the "Seven Cs" of precise writing to be effective and increase readability. Forms of technical writing must have readability. Readability is a term used to determine whether the content has clarity, conciseness and courtesy.{{sfn|Zeleznik|Burnett|Benson|1999|p=207}} The other four Cs are coherent, concrete, correct and complete.{{sfn|Last|2019}}

====Scannability====
A document's scannability is determined by the ease in which it can be scanned to determine meaning. Readers often scan pages for words and phrases that align with their task or interests, as well as for trigger words that are deeply ingrained.{{sfn|Krug|2014|p=23}} The most effective web content is concise and simple to scan, making it easy for users to find the important information. Breaking up text into interesting, easy-to-read sections helps users quickly find information. {{sfn|Barr|2010|p=103}}

==== Ease of Reproduction and Distribution ====
Digital documents are easily copied and distributed. They can be duplicated without any loss of quality, making it simple to share information widely and at minimal cost.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Hyperlinking====
Hyperlinking is a quick and efficient method for directing readers to relevant information in digital documents, facilitating seamless navigation between sections, references, and external resources.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=79}}

====Multimedia====
Digital documents can incorporate multimedia elements like images, audio, video, and interactive content, enhancing engagement through visual and auditory elements. Multiple media formats work best when sharing new, complicated ideas.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=36}} Increasing multimodality on a website improves engagement, usability, and accessibility. This can improve the impact of the website's standings in SERPs.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

====Version Control====
Version control is a characteristic of digital documents that allows for the tracking of edits and revisions to digital documents. In collaborative writing, version control helps maintain the document with accountability and transparency.{{sfn|Lucas|2023d}}

==== Remote Collaboration ====
One form of collaborative technical writing is a wiki, which is a "Web site developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content.{{sfn|Lucas|2021}} One of the predominant elements of a wiki is that it is defined as being open source. As a result, anyone can modify it regardless of their geographic locations.

==== Security Measures ====
Digital documents can be protected with encryption, passwords, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information. These security measures enhance data protection and privacy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Environmental Impact ====
Digital documents have a smaller environmental footprint compared to paper documents, as they reduce the need for paper production, printing, and transportation.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Dynamic Updates ====
Online digital documents can be updated dynamically, ensuring that users always have access to the most current information. This is particularly valuable in fast-changing fields.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Global Accessibility ====
Digital documents can be shared globally, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones. They support international collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge on a global scale.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Data Integration ====
In business and research settings, digital documents can integrate with databases and data analysis tools. This integration streamlines data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Data Analytics ====
Digital documents can be subjected to data analytics techniques, allowing organizations to extract valuable insights from large volumes of textual data, which can inform decision-making and strategy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==Examples of Digital Documents==
In technical and professional writing, digital documentation takes various forms. These methods streamline the sharing of technical information, enhance collaboration, and ensure easy accessibility within professional settings, contributing to efficient communication and knowledge dissemination.

==== Infographics ====
Infographics, shared as digital documents, typically combine text, graphics, and illustrations to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing format. Infographics are often used to simplify information, making it more accessible to a broader audience, and are found in presentations, reports, websites, and educational materials. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=292-293}}

==== Presentations ====
Presentations created with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint PowerPoint] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Slides Google Slides] are vital for professional communication and knowledge sharing. They condense complex information into visually appealing slides for effective presentations by using photos, videos, graphics, charts, and graphs.{{sfn|Parkinson|2018|loc=chpt. 4}}

==== Blogs ====
A blog, short for "weblog," is an informational website organized into short articles called posts, typically chronologically ordered series of website updates, written and organized similar to a traditional diary.{{sfn|Bair|2014|p=7}} They are regularly updated, providing readers with insights on a specific topic or subject. Blogs serve various purposes, including sharing opinions, providing news, offering educational content, and documenting personal experiences.{{sfn|Rose|Garret|2012|p=2}}

==User Experience==
User experience (UX) is how a product works from the perspective of the user. Digital documents can be created with efficient user experiences by practicing several design methods, including user-centered design, information architecture, responsive design, and usability.

=== User-Centered Design ===
The approach of user-centered design (UCD) in technical writing consists of the following methodology{{sfn|Lucas|2023e}}:

==== User Research ====
User research is the act of conducting thorough research through surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gain a better understanding of user needs and experiences when using a digital document.

==== Ideation and Prototyping ====
Ideation and prototyping refers to the process of creating digital designs and prototypes to assist with exploring possible solutions to meet user needs.

==== Usability Testing ====
Usability testing refers to the act of having users interact with digital document designs and recording and adjusting the design based on user feedback.

==== Implementation ====
Implementation is the stage in which the design is implemented after making adjustments from prior testing.

==== Evaluation ====
Evaluation refers to the stage in which the digital document is assessed to ensure that it is meeting user needs.

==== Maintenance and Updates ====
Maintenance and updates are required in order to maintain a digital document based on user feedback and changing needs.

===Information Architecture===

To ensure a digital document has effective UX design and accessible information, technical writers need to construct a clear and organized information architecture (IA). IA is a design principle that organizes information so that it is easily found and understood by users, prioritizing their needs and reducing information overload. A design challenge is making IA understood across multiple digital experiences, changing the navigation structure to fit different medias while staying logical and consistent for the user.{{sfn| Rosenfeld |pp=1, 17-18}} IA that is not constructed well can confuse the user and could cause them to give up their search of information in frustration.{{sfn| Garrand |pp=12}}

The architecture components of IA can be divided into four different categories:{{sfn| Rosenfeld |pp=90}}

*Organization systems: how information is categorized and organized for user understanding

*Labeling systems: how information is represented

*Navigation systems: how users browse information and navigate between pages

*Searching systems: how users search for specific information

===Responsive Design===

Responsive design is a strategy that appropriately updates the layout and content of a website or document in relation to the screen size, device, and/or orientation, allowing the site or document to be easily viewed and navigated regardless of device used. With the increased use of mobile devices, web content should be constructed with proper responsive web design (RWD) to ensure effective UX and usability on those devices.{{sfn| Robbins| pp=485}}

There are several design strategies that can be implemented that will increase the success of RWD:{{sfn| Robbins| pp=487}}

*Fluid layout – Responsive sites can be constructed using a fluid layout (or flexible grid) system that will allow content to adjust and flow according to the available screen space.

*Flexible and responsive images – Images and other embedded media can be instructed so that they fit their containers instead of remaining at a fixed size. Images with varying resolutions can also be swapped according to screen size to avoid high-resolution images on smaller devices.

*CSS media queries – Media queries can be written into the CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), which would instruct the construction of the site according to screen width and orientation. Adding breakpoints for several screen sizes allows pages to be designed for specific devices.

*Content hierarchy – Carefully constructing content that is organized for the user and creating a hierarchy of content that prioritizes user needs is necessary to ensure effective user experience and navigation across multiple screen sizes.{{sfn| Robbins| pp=499}}

===Usability===

Technical writers must create documents and websites that meet the expectations of their readers and users, and in doing so, writers increase the usability of their site or document.{{sfn| Garrand | pp=26}}

==Ethical Considerations==
In technical workplaces, resolving ethical dilemmas will be part of one's job. Resources, time, and reputations are at stake, so one will feel pressure to overpromise, underdeliver, bend the rules, cook the numbers, or exaggerate results. Technical fields are also highly competitive, so people sometimes stretch a little further than they should. Ethical dilemmas can force one into situations in which all choices seem unsatisfactory.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=71-84}}

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world's oldest professional association dedicated to advancing the field of technical communication.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023a}} The STC promotes adherence to a list of ethical principles. They are legality, honesty, confidentiality, quality, fairness, and professionalism.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023b}}

Technical communicators also have to be careful to avoid plagiarism, or taking ideas, thoughts, or words from someone else and passing them off as one's own.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

Technical communicators have ethical standards to which they must abide. The standards are divided into three primary categories. They are the employer, the public, and the environment.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

=== The Employer ===
Obligations to one's employer include competence and diligence, honesty and candor, confidentiality, and loyalty.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} The technical communicator must adhere to these obligations so that he/she does not harm the reputation or operation of the employer.

Technical communicators may occasionally work for an organization with strict privacy policies that prohibit them from using the documents they create outside of the organization. It is important for ethical communicators to follow the privacy policy for their organization because unauthorized release of information could lead to consequences up to and including termination.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

=== The Public ===
Organizations are obligated to treat customers fairly. Technical communicators must convey that the products or services an organization sells are safe and effective.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

=== The Environment ===
Technical communicators have an obligation to the environment. This obligation includes alerting their supervisors, managers, and executive leadership to products or processes that are detrimental to the environment. Protecting the environment can be costly, however, and organizations may consider ignoring legal guidelines to save money.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} Yet, failure to adhere to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations also has financial implications. For example, the penalty for mishandling hazardous waste is five years and/or up to $50,000 for each day of the violation.{{sfn|EPA|2023}}

===Disinformation===
One major ethical concern in all forms of writing, but especially in digital writing, is the creation and spread of disinformation. Disinformation, often referred to as "[[w:Fake news|fake news]]," is information that is purposefully spread as false or misleading and is a sub-type of misinformation.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|loc=section 3.7}} Modern communication technologies allow for the spread of information to occur at a fast pace. Social media is one area where the spread of disinformation occurs regularly. Some social media sites, such as Facebook, have begun to flag certain articles posted on the site as being questionable in their representation of facts or occurrences. Despite the widespread understanding and use of disinformation available today, digital writers need to be aware of their intent and the audience's needs and wants from their digital communication.{{sfn|Lucas|2023f}} Ethical considerations regarding citing sources, cross-referencing information, and using primary sources are good practices for maintaining ethical standing and credibility as a digital writer.

To help mitigate the problem of disinformation, technical writers should utilize gatekeepers. These individuals verify the accuracy of the information before it is distributed to primary readers. This helps protect the author from any ethical and/or legal issues.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

==Pedagogical Approaches==
Barriers to teaching technical communications include the speed at which digital tools evolve and the complexity of software. {{sfn|Hovde|Renguette|2017|pp=395-411}}

Informal writing, such as some emailing, instant messaging, and texting, has crept into academic writing. In a study conducted by the Pew Internet & America Life Project, almost half of the respondents admitted to omitting proper punctuation and capitalization. Others even used emoticons. Colleges and universities now must focus on educating students on the different forms of written communication and when best to employ them.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

==Future Trends and Challenges==
===Future Trends===
Between 2022 and 2032, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Labor_Statistics, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics] is projecting a 7% job growth for technical writers. {{sfn|United States Bureau of Labor Statistics|2023}} To be relevant as a technical writer in the digital age, one must possess the skills of conducting in-depth research, critical thinking, being detail oriented, design, and technical expertise. To succeed at communicating the complex to specific audiences, the technical writer must understand much of the subject in its complexity. This is accomplished through possessing the skills of communication, collaboration, and teamwork.{{sfn|Fechter|2023}}

===Challenges===
Among others, a prominent barrier to technical writers is the dependency on input information accuracy. Outdated, incorrect, or inconsistent data delays the publication, requires more reparative efforts, and decreases productivity.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}} Also, technical writers often have to contend with complex, outdated or unsuitable tools. This can make their job more difficult and time-consuming, and can lead to frustration and errors.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}}

===Artificial Intelligence===
Artificial intelligence programs, utilizing natural language processing, are capable of producing technical writing and have advanced in recent years becoming more adept.{{sfn|Marr|2023}}

One such program is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT ChatGPT], which uses machine learning to produce texts with human-like style and tone. {{sfn|University of Central Arkansas|2023}} Another leader in this area, Contentbot, uses a WordPress plugin which gives blog writers ideas to enhance their posts which are shared via email.{{sfn|Siddiqui|2022}}

===Plagiarism===
Because of the ability of chatbots to imitate human-like language, some education administrators have taken precautions to minimize the occurrence of students passing off artificially generated texts as their own. In some instances, educators have taken the view that material drawn from artificial intelligence software must be handled in the same way as sources from human authors. {{sfn|Klein|2023}} In such cases, students who incorporate artificially generated text into their work have been made to denote credit for the artificial intelligence program utilized.

===Credit===
The advent of chatbots has complicated the issue of credit where creative work is concerned. Because chatbots can simulate human speech, their ability to create cinematic dialogues and other types of creative writing have threatened the credits and financial condition of professional writers. According to an article by Aaron Mok and Jacob Zinkula on ''[https://www.businessinsider.com/ Business Insider]'', writing jobs are among the top 10 roles that AI is most likely to replace. {{sfn|Mok|2023}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography ===
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{{Refend}}

[[Category:Fall 2023]]
[[Category:ENGL 5106]]

Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-27T03:38:34Z

HRoney: /* Personas in Digital Writing */

'''Technical Writing in the Digital Age''' represents the dynamic and evolving discipline of creating written materials that convey complex information, instructions, and technical concepts in the context of contemporary digital technologies. Its purview encompasses the creation, dissemination, and management of technical documents and content within an expansive digital landscape. Connected networks of workstations, laptops, cell phones, tablets, and servers are the central nervous system in the technical workplace.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=2}}

Major considerations revolve around adapting traditional principles of rhetoric to digital platforms, ensuring effective communication in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. Key factors include integrating multimedia elements, user-centered design principles, and ethical considerations like accessibility and inclusivity. This discipline also extends to collaborative writing processes and version control systems, acknowledging the necessity of teamwork in producing accurate and up-to-date technical documentation. The use of multi-modality and the interfacing of multiple media platforms and sources also plays a role in digital technical writing. In essence, technical writing in the digital age encapsulates the art and science of conveying technical information in a manner that is comprehensible and accessible to diverse audiences in our digitally driven society.

==Overview==

=== Aims of Technical Communication ===
As much as technical communication is a discipline in and of itself, it also exists within many other disciplines. Examples of technical communication communities can be found among such varied fields as education, business, and science. Technical documentation within any domain typically embodies a similar aim: to help its audience act toward some sort of task or goal. {{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}}

=== Characteristics of Technical Communication ===
Because technical communication is intended to guide an audience, it must be assembled in such a way that it is easily understood. Successful technical documentation is accurate, logically sound, and appropriate. {{sfn|Perelman|1998}} Communication can be said to be accurate in two different understandings: accurate in description and accurate in content. Accurate descriptions are easy to understand. Accurate content provides for the intended result. Communication that is delivered logically is well-organized and clear and can be approached in a manner that will be coherent for most users. Technical information that is appropriate contains elements and steps that are suitable for the intended purpose and audience.

== Technical Documents ==
Technical writing encompasses various genres and styles, influenced by the information and discourse communities. Not all technical documents are produced by technical writers, as professionals produce various technical documents.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=32}}

Common types of technical communication include:{{sfn|Mussack|2021}}

==== Case Studies ====
Case studies are a form of empirical or observational research that consists of in-depth examination of distinct individuals, groups, events, or scenarios. This research can be used to generate qualitative or quantitative data. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=401-404}}

==== Data Sheets ====
A data sheet, also known as a technical datasheet, is a document used to describe and summarize the characteristics of a product, material, component, or technology. {{sfn|IDA|2020|p=}}

====Descriptions====
Descriptions are concise explanations of procedures and processes that assist readers in understanding how something works. Product descriptions and process descriptions are the two main types of technical descriptions. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=443-453}}

*Product: provides detailed information about a specific item, including its features, specifications, and benefits.
*Process: provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform a particular task or achieve a specific outcome.

==== Documentation ====
Documentation comprises various texts that allow users to accomplish tasks or gain information. It generally falls into three categories, which can be defined as follows:
* Instructions: Text that describes how to complete a task, often offering numbered steps. Examples include how to download software or assemble a product.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=167}}
* Specifications: Communications that deliver technical details on how a product is put together or a specific operation is executed. Also known as "specs," these texts may be written by engineers or technicians.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}
* Procedures and Protocols: Guidelines to ensure consistency, quality, and safety in the workplace. For example, a hospital may provide staff with procedures on how to adapt operations during an emergency, such as a power outage.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}

==== Email ====
Emails are the primary form of communication in the workplace, used for both internal and external communication. They facilitate information exchange, idea exchange, and activity coordination.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=335}} Emails should be brief, concise, readable, and targeted to specific audiences with specific subject lines.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=348}}

==== Letters ====
Letters are a traditional form of communication most often used by employees to communicate with individuals outside of a company or organization. They are typically written on company letterhead. Today, letters are sent either by U.S. mail or electronically. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=139}}

==== Memos ====
A memo (short for memorandum) is an official communication, usually a message from the company, a manager or director, or another person or group acting in an official capacity, used to communicate with others within the same organization. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=353}}

==== Press Releases ====
A press release can be an announcement or recent news that is distributed to media outlets from a company, with intentions on spreading the information to the general public. A press release can be called a press-statement, news release or media release.{{sfn|Pradhan|2021}}

==== Proposals ====
A proposal is a document that identifies an existing problem or opportunity and outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing it. Organizations create ''internal'' proposals to describe programs and projects that meet specific operational needs, such as a plan to replace an outdated software system. Companies develop ''external'' proposals for potential customers or clients. These documents detail new products, services, or initiatives that a company will implement to address a specific customer concern.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=245}}

==== Reports ====
A report is a concise, easily understandable document that presents technical information in a clear, organized format, allowing readers to access varying levels of information. Reports are categorized as informal, such as briefs, and formal, such as research, scientific, and completion reports. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|loc=chpt 10 & 11}}

===== Informal or Brief Reports =====
Informal or brief reports provide an objective overview of an organization's current state, past events, and future plans, ensuring that readers are well-informed about the organization's operations. Some examples include{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=285-288}}:

* Progress Reports. These are used to inform management about the progress or status of a project.
* White papers and Briefings. These educate management or clients about important issues.
* Incident Reports. These objectively focus on presenting facts relating to an accident or irregular occurrence.
* Laboratory Reports. These describe experiments, tests, or inspections.

===== Formal Reports =====
A formal report is a factual and data-driven response to a research question.
* Research reports present the findings of a study.
* Scientific research reports outline the process, progress, and results of technical or scientific research or the current state of a research problem.
* Completion reports assess the outcomes of a project or initiative and provide feedback to management or the client.

==== Resumes ====
Résumés offer an overview of an individual’s educational credentials and professional experience and often are used to demonstrate an applicant’s qualifications to potential employers. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=100}} They may be organized in various ways, but two common approaches are chronologically and by skills. Chronological résumés demonstrate the sequence of education and employment history and detail a person’s tasks, responsibilities, and achievements in each successive role. Skills résumés provide employment history, but the primary focus is to highlight how an individual applied distinct skills and experiences across various professional positions. {{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019|pp=411-412}}

==== User guides ====
A user guide is an instructional manual created to help consumers use the product, service or system. A user guide typically includes step-by-step instructions.{{Sfn|Wainaina|2022}}

==Features of Technical Communication==
Technical communication involves conveying complex information to a specific audience. Key features include accuracy, attention to detail, visuals, and clear and concise organization to enhance user understanding. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

=== Accuracy ===

==== Standards Compliant ====
Many technical fields have industry-specific regulations and guidelines which are determined by governing bodies and that also have an impact on their technical communication. Furthermore, many organizations may have a style guide that outlines preferred language usage, tone, and formatting. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

==== Detailed ====
Accurate information that is delivered with precision and specificity is essential to providing communication that is unambiguous and free of discrepancies. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} It is free of errors and inconsistencies.

==== Objective ====
Objective communication is presented in an unbiased and impartial manner and is free of personal opinions. It relies upon facts and evidence and avoids an overly emotional tone. This approach is particularly important in fields where accuracy and impartiality are essential. {{sfn|Detwiler|2021}}

===== Clear and Concise =====
Technical communication needs to be organized logically, is not unnecessarily involved, and is easily understood by the target audience. The language used should avoid needless jargon and be written in a straightforward manner that avoids redundant word usage and/or excessive explanations. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} {{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

=== Soundness ===

==== Formatted and Organized ====
Technical documents should be formatted in a way that is consistent with the norms and standards of applicable professional fields. Additionally, formatting should adhere to guidelines that enhance usability. Information should be logically organized for easy reading comprehension. This may involve using headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists. Formatting details should remain consistent throughout the document. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} {{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

==== Graphical ====
Technical communication utilizes visuals strategically to facilitate understanding of textual content. Visuals such as diagrams, charts, graphs, or images can enhance understanding of a technical document. When presented properly, they can elucidate difficult concepts and make material accessible to a more diverse audience. {{sfn|AI and the LinkedIn Community|2023}}

=== Appropriateness ===

==== Audience-specific ====
Where possible, technical communication should be customized to align with the knowledge and needs of its audience. Communication style and tone should be tailored to match the audience's level of expertise and should take into consideration such factors as the users' technical background, familiarity with the subject, and specific requirements. {{sfn|Viral Nation|2019}}

==== Document Design ====
Documents' appropriateness requires that readers can quickly understand the message of the document. The document should be of appropriate style and length for the readers' needs.

== Digital Technologies Tools==
With the rise of digital technology, technical writing has had to adapt to the needs of a digital era. The predominant impact of such a revolution was that it made technical communication more accessible by increasing the breadth of its viewers. The World Wide Web is public and, thus, can be accessed by anyone with access to the Internet. Such a phenomenon can be exploited to increase the audience of a virtual document.

Technical writers can use various tools to author and present their documents.

==== Content Management Systems (CMS) ====
A content management system (CMS) is a software application that allows users to create, manage, and modify digital content on a website. It provides a user-friendly interface and tools to easily organize, publish, and update content, including text, images, videos, and documents. Additionally, CMSs often offer features like user permissions, version control, and SEO optimization to enhance the overall website management experience. {{sfn|Barr|2006|p=129}}
Some popular examples of CMS include [https://wordpress.com/ WordPress], [https://www.wix.com/ Wix], and [https://www.blogger.com/about/?bpli=1 Blogger].

==== Image Processing Software ====
Image processing software plays a valuable role in technical and digital writing by facilitating the creation and enhancement of visuals. Documentation and tutorials help optimize images to convey processes or procedures effectively. Whether for screen captures illustrating software interfaces, data visualizations, or graphics for digital content, image processing tools contribute to creating clear and visually appealing materials.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=664}} These tools, such as [https://www.adobe.com/ Adobe] and [https://www.canva.com/ Canva], enhance the visual impact of technical and digital writing, ensuring that images are optimized, informative, and engaging for the audience.

==== Word Processors ====
Word processors are software applications designed for creating, editing, and formatting documents on a computer. They provide many features, such as spell-checking, grammar-checking, and inserting images and tables. These programs are typically used for writing essays, creating reports, or drafting professional documents. {{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=229}} Some popular software applications are [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word Microsoft Word], [https://www.google.com/docs/about/ Google Docs][https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration , SharePoint], and [https://www.apple.com/pages/ Apple Pages]. These programs allow documents to be readily disseminated. Comment capability enables audience members to interact about a document with one another and the author.

==== Text Editors ====
Text editors are fundamental technical and digital writing tools, offering a platform for creating and manipulating plain text files. They are indispensable for programming tasks, providing syntax highlighting and code folding features. Text editors are commonly used to write code, markup languages (HTML, XML, Markdown), and edit configuration files.{{sfn|Godson|p=37-41}} Notable examples include [https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/windows-notepad/9MSMLRH6LZF3?hl=en-US&gl=US Notepad] (Windows), [https://support.apple.com/guide/textedit/welcome/mac TextEdit] (macOS), and [https://notepad-plus-plus.org/ Notepad++]. Whether for programmers, writers, or system administrators, text editors play a crucial role in content creation and technical work.

==Historical Context==
===Technical Writing Profession===
Joseph P. Chapline is considered to be one of the first technical writers, having written in 1949 the first ever user manual for the Binary Automatic Computer (BINAC), an early personal computer.{{sfn|Malone|2008}} In the 1950s, technical writing as a distinct profession began to take shape when technical writers founded formal organizations, academic programs, and conferences dedicated to the art. One of these key writing associations was the Association of Technical Writers and Editors, also formed in the 1950s. Several of these groups eventually merged, forming the Society of Technical Communication in 1960.{{sfn|Malone|2011|pp=285-306}}

The need for paperwork ushered in by World War II served as the driving force for the technical writing profession in the United States. {{sfn|Rathbone|1958}} This was a time years before the computer and photocopier became common office equipment. During this period, the role of the technical writer revolved solely around words, and their primary work tools consisted of either a pencil or ink pen and paper. The technical writer would draft the document by hand, and a typist or clerical worker would then use a typewriter to transfer the writer's words into a finished document.

Advances in technology thrust the technical writing profession into a new era. The work of the technical writer may now also include not only text, but also images, drawings, and computer-based media. The current role of the technical writer is not only to write, but they may also be involved in research and information gathering, speaking with technical experts, and selecting document mediums and project tools. {{sfn|Macari|2023}}

The projects of today's technical writers can be as varied as writing instructions to assemble a living room chair to creating websites. {{sfn|Grimstead|1999}} And the titles of today's technical writers may vary as well. They may be referred to by names as diverse as information architects to documentation specialists. {{sfn|Grimstead|1999}}

==Personas in Digital Writing==
Personas in the context of digital writing, which is writing composed, created and read in digital environments, refer to semi-fictional characters that encapsulate the characteristics, behaviors, and needs of target audience segments. They align closely with the principles of user-centered design (UCD).{{sfn|Lucas|2023a}}
There are myriad ways to integrate user-centered thinking into the creative process of UX design, and personas are one of the most effective ways to empathize with and analyze users.{{sfn|Goltz|2014}}

Personas may guide the creation of documentation and tutorials catering to different user needs. It is crucial to adjust the language and tone to match the persona preference. Different personas can influence and guide the design of the project.

==Rhetorical Strategies in the Digital Age==
Rhetoric is a communication strategy whose primary goal is to persuade an audience. It is grounded in three foundational concepts first defined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. These concepts are ''logos'', which engages with the reader’s sense of logic or reason; ''pathos'', which appeals to the reader’s emotions; and ''ethos'', which addresses the audience’s values and the writer’s credibility. Within this framework, writers utilize specific techniques or devices to influence and engage readers. Examples include appealing to an audience’s sense of logic by using factual examples to support a point or evoking emotion through descriptive visual language. {{sfn|Gagich|Zickel|n.d.|pp=34-37}}

In today’s digital age, writers can use digital technologies as rhetorical devices to influence the reader. Electronic images and informational graphics can be incorporated into digital and online documents to illustrate or reinforce points made in the text.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}} Hyperlinks can be used to provide additional information that supports the author's ideas. Nevertheless, the writer's basic task of informing and persuading an audience is the same in digital communication as in other forms of writing.{{sfn|DeVoss|National Writing Project|Eidman-Aadahl|Hicks|2010|p=105}}

Rhetorical analysis involves analyzing the demographics and habits of an intended audience. The information gathered allows writers to craft messages that appeal to the target audience. In the digital age, websites and social media platforms convey rhetorical messages.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|pp=6-14}}

==Search Engine Optimization (SEO)==
SEO refers to the practice of optimizing online content to enhance its visibility and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs), making it a crucial skill for digital writers.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize content for SEO means to have the goal of SEO in mind at the time of designing, creating, and writing a web page for publication. Using keywords and alt-text are two examples of optimizing content for SEO. {{sfn|Barr|2010|loc=chpt. 17}}

=== Keywords ===
Keywords are the words that search engines crawl a website for and index as the page's most important words. Based on other pages using the same keywords, the website is added into the search engine results pages from best matches to worse matches. Depending on where the website falls in that scale based on the specific keywords being searched by a user, influences where the website pops up in the associated search results.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize a website's keywords, you should begin with researching keywords on your own website and ensure that you have an XML [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitemaps sitemap] so search engine's such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google Google] can crawl your web pages for updated information. In addition to using keywords, updating a page's metadata information can also help with showing up on SERPs. Using title and header tags as well as meta descriptions for content also helps optimize a website's ratings in SERPs.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Alt-Text ===
Alt-Text (alternative text), or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute Alt Attributes], is a practice that increases the usability and accessibility of a web page for users. Alt-Text is often used for visual elements that cannot be displayed in a different format but still provides description of the element for screen readers or users that may have a disability. Alt-Text also improves a website's SEO as a form of content optimization.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Social Media Presence ===
Sharing content from a website across different social media platforms is another way to create SEO optimization. This technique can help with being seen as legitimate and improves visibility of the website overall. Additionally it can drive traffic and enables back-linking to occur when other websites have the ability to also link to the website.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Goals of Searching: The User's Perspective ===
A user of search engines formulates queries by using keywords or posing questions. One of the most important elements of building an SEO strategy for a website is developing a thorough understanding of the psychology of your target audience, and how they use words and concepts to obtain information about the services and/or products you provide. Once you understand how the average search engine user—and, more specifically, your target audience—utilizes query-based search engines, you can more effectively reach and keep those users. {{sfn|Enge|Spencer|Stricchiola|2022|p=9}}

==Digital Documentation ==
Digital documentation is the conversion of physical documents into digital files, enabling easier access, retrieval, and sharing of information. It includes features like searchability, version control, and security measures to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.{{sfn|Lucas|2014}}

===Characteristics of Digital Documents===

==== Electronic Format ====
Digital documents exist in electronic formats, which means they are stored and transmitted as binary data. This format allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and transmission of information via electronic devices.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}} Digital documentation is the only method to meet a critical challenge of the relatively new concept of "knowledge management" that applies to all organizations. A digital knowledge management system is crucial to an organization so everyone can access information created by employees who are no longer with the organization or cross-referencing with other seemingly unrelated departments.{{sfn|IBM}}

==== Non-Tangible ====
Unlike paper documents, digital documents lack physical presence. They are intangible and exist as electronic files, residing on devices or in the cloud.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Accessibility ====
Website content should be designed in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access the same information as those without disabilities.{{sfn|WAI|2022}} It is a legal requirement to include accessibility features in website design.{{sfn|WCAG|2023}} There are four different types of impairment that can affect how a user interacts and perceives digital documents: vision, mobility, auditory, and cognitive.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=42}}Digital documents will need to be optimized so that information can be accessed by hardware and software tools used by people with disabilities.{{sfn|Barr|2010|pp=103-104}}

====Readability====
Digital documents rely on the "Seven Cs" of precise writing to be effective and increase readability. Forms of technical writing must have readability. Readability is a term used to determine whether the content has clarity, conciseness and courtesy.{{sfn|Zeleznik|Burnett|Benson|1999|p=207}} The other four Cs are coherent, concrete, correct and complete.{{sfn|Last|2019}}

====Scannability====
A document's scannability is determined by the ease in which it can be scanned to determine meaning. Readers often scan pages for words and phrases that align with their task or interests, as well as for trigger words that are deeply ingrained.{{sfn|Krug|2014|p=23}} The most effective web content is concise and simple to scan, making it easy for users to find the important information. Breaking up text into interesting, easy-to-read sections helps users quickly find information. {{sfn|Barr|2010|p=103}}

==== Ease of Reproduction and Distribution ====
Digital documents are easily copied and distributed. They can be duplicated without any loss of quality, making it simple to share information widely and at minimal cost.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Hyperlinking====
Hyperlinking is a quick and efficient method for directing readers to relevant information in digital documents, facilitating seamless navigation between sections, references, and external resources.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=79}}

====Multimedia====
Digital documents can incorporate multimedia elements like images, audio, video, and interactive content, enhancing engagement through visual and auditory elements. Multiple media formats work best when sharing new, complicated ideas.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=36}} Increasing multimodality on a website improves engagement, usability, and accessibility. This can improve the impact of the website's standings in SERPs.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

====Version Control====
Version control is a characteristic of digital documents that allows for the tracking of edits and revisions to digital documents. In collaborative writing, version control helps maintain the document with accountability and transparency.{{sfn|Lucas|2023d}}

==== Remote Collaboration ====
One form of collaborative technical writing is a wiki, which is a "Web site developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content.{{sfn|Lucas|2021}} One of the predominant elements of a wiki is that it is defined as being open source. As a result, anyone can modify it regardless of their geographic locations.

==== Security Measures ====
Digital documents can be protected with encryption, passwords, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information. These security measures enhance data protection and privacy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Environmental Impact ====
Digital documents have a smaller environmental footprint compared to paper documents, as they reduce the need for paper production, printing, and transportation.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Dynamic Updates ====
Online digital documents can be updated dynamically, ensuring that users always have access to the most current information. This is particularly valuable in fast-changing fields.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Global Accessibility ====
Digital documents can be shared globally, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones. They support international collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge on a global scale.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Data Integration ====
In business and research settings, digital documents can integrate with databases and data analysis tools. This integration streamlines data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Data Analytics ====
Digital documents can be subjected to data analytics techniques, allowing organizations to extract valuable insights from large volumes of textual data, which can inform decision-making and strategy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==Examples of Digital Documents==
In technical and professional writing, digital documentation takes various forms. These methods streamline the sharing of technical information, enhance collaboration, and ensure easy accessibility within professional settings, contributing to efficient communication and knowledge dissemination.

==== Infographics ====
Infographics, shared as digital documents, typically combine text, graphics, and illustrations to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing format. Infographics are often used to simplify information, making it more accessible to a broader audience, and are found in presentations, reports, websites, and educational materials. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=292-293}}

==== Presentations ====
Presentations created with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint PowerPoint] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Slides Google Slides] are vital for professional communication and knowledge sharing. They condense complex information into visually appealing slides for effective presentations by using photos, videos, graphics, charts, and graphs.{{sfn|Parkinson|2018|loc=chpt. 4}}

==== Blogs ====
A blog, short for "weblog," is an informational website organized into short articles called posts, typically chronologically ordered series of website updates, written and organized similar to a traditional diary.{{sfn|Bair|2014|p=7}} They are regularly updated, providing readers with insights on a specific topic or subject. Blogs serve various purposes, including sharing opinions, providing news, offering educational content, and documenting personal experiences.{{sfn|Rose|Garret|2012|p=2}}

==User Experience==
User experience is how a product works from the perspective of the user. Digital documents can be created with efficient user experiences by focusing on user-centered design. {{sfn|Garrett|2011|p=17}}

=== User-Centered Design ===
The approach of user-centered design (UCD) in technical writing consists of the following methodology{{sfn|Lucas|2023e}}:

==== User Research ====
User research is the act of conducting thorough research through surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gain a better understanding of user needs and experiences when using a digital document.

==== Ideation and Prototyping ====
Ideation and prototyping refers to the process of creating digital designs and prototypes to assist with exploring possible solutions to meet user needs.

==== Usability Testing ====
Usability testing refers to the act of having users interact with digital document designs and recording and adjusting the design based on user feedback.

==== Implementation ====
Implementation is the stage in which the design is implemented after making adjustments from prior testing.

==== Evaluation ====
Evaluation refers to the stage in which the digital document is assessed to ensure that it is meeting user needs.

==== Maintenance and Updates ====
Maintenance and updates are required in order to maintain a digital document based on user feedback and changing needs.

==Ethical Considerations==
In technical workplaces, resolving ethical dilemmas will be part of one's job. Resources, time, and reputations are at stake, so one will feel pressure to overpromise, underdeliver, bend the rules, cook the numbers, or exaggerate results. Technical fields are also highly competitive, so people sometimes stretch a little further than they should. Ethical dilemmas can force one into situations in which all choices seem unsatisfactory.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=71-84}}

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world's oldest professional association dedicated to advancing the field of technical communication.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023a}} The STC promotes adherence to a list of ethical principles. They are legality, honesty, confidentiality, quality, fairness, and professionalism.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023b}}

Technical communicators also have to be careful to avoid plagiarism, or taking ideas, thoughts, or words from someone else and passing them off as one's own.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

Technical communicators have ethical standards to which they must abide. The standards are divided into three primary categories. They are the employer, the public, and the environment.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

=== The Employer ===
Obligations to one's employer include competence and diligence, honesty and candor, confidentiality, and loyalty.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} The technical communicator must adhere to these obligations so that he/she does not harm the reputation or operation of the employer.

Technical communicators may occasionally work for an organization with strict privacy policies that prohibit them from using the documents they create outside of the organization. It is important for ethical communicators to follow the privacy policy for their organization because unauthorized release of information could lead to consequences up to and including termination.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

=== The Public ===
Organizations are obligated to treat customers fairly. Technical communicators must convey that the products or services an organization sells are safe and effective.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

=== The Environment ===
Technical communicators have an obligation to the environment. This obligation includes alerting their supervisors, managers, and executive leadership to products or processes that are detrimental to the environment. Protecting the environment can be costly, however, and organizations may consider ignoring legal guidelines to save money.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} Yet, failure to adhere to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations also has financial implications. For example, the penalty for mishandling hazardous waste is five years and/or up to $50,000 for each day of the violation.{{sfn|EPA|2023}}

===Disinformation===
One major ethical concern in all forms of writing, but especially in digital writing, is the creation and spread of disinformation. Disinformation, often referred to as "[[w:Fake news|fake news]]," is information that is purposefully spread as false or misleading and is a sub-type of misinformation.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|loc=section 3.7}} Modern communication technologies allow for the spread of information to occur at a fast pace. Social media is one area where the spread of disinformation occurs regularly. Some social media sites, such as Facebook, have begun to flag certain articles posted on the site as being questionable in their representation of facts or occurrences. Despite the widespread understanding and use of disinformation available today, digital writers need to be aware of their intent and the audience's needs and wants from their digital communication.{{sfn|Lucas|2023f}} Ethical considerations regarding citing sources, cross-referencing information, and using primary sources are good practices for maintaining ethical standing and credibility as a digital writer.

To help mitigate the problem of disinformation, technical writers should utilize gatekeepers. These individuals verify the accuracy of the information before it is distributed to primary readers. This helps protect the author from any ethical and/or legal issues.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

==Pedagogical Approaches==
Barriers to teaching technical communications include the speed at which digital tools evolve and the complexity of software. {{sfn|Hovde|Renguette|2017|pp=395-411}}

Informal writing, such as some emailing, instant messaging, and texting, has crept into academic writing. In a study conducted by the Pew Internet & America Life Project, almost half of the respondents admitted to omitting proper punctuation and capitalization. Others even used emoticons. Colleges and universities now must focus on educating students on the different forms of written communication and when best to employ them.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

==Future Trends and Challenges==
===Future Trends===
Between 2022 and 2032, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Labor_Statistics, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics] is projecting a 7% job growth for technical writers. {{sfn|United States Bureau of Labor Statistics|2023}} To be relevant as a technical writer in the digital age, one must possess the skills of conducting in-depth research, critical thinking, being detail oriented, design, and technical expertise. To succeed at communicating the complex to specific audiences, the technical writer must understand much of the subject in its complexity. This is accomplished through possessing the skills of communication, collaboration, and teamwork.{{sfn|Fechter|2023}}

===Challenges===
Among others, a prominent barrier to technical writers is the dependency on input information accuracy. Outdated, incorrect, or inconsistent data delays the publication, requires more reparative efforts, and decreases productivity.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}} Also, Technical writers often have to contend with complex, outdated or unsuitable tools. This can make their job more difficult and time-consuming, and can lead to frustration and errors.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}}

===Artificial Intelligence===
Artificial intelligence programs, utilizing natural language processing, are capable of producing technical writing and have advanced in recent years becoming more adept.{{sfn|Marr|2023}}

One such program is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT ChatGPT], which uses machine learning to produce texts with human-like style and tone. {{sfn|University of Central Arkansas|2023}} Another leader in this area, Contentbot, uses a WordPress plugin which gives blog writers ideas to enhance their posts which are shared via email.{{sfn|Siddiqui|2022}}

===Plagiarism===
Because of the ability of chatbots to imitate human-like language, some education administrators have taken precautions to minimize the occurrence of students passing off artificially generated texts as their own. In some instances, educators have taken the view that material drawn from artificial intelligence software must be handled in the same way as sources from human authors. {{sfn|Klein|2023}} In such cases, students who incorporate artificially generated text into their work have been made to denote credit for the artificial intelligence program utilized.

===Credit===
The advent of chatbots has complicated the issue of credit where creative work is concerned. Because chatbots can simulate human speech, their ability to create cinematic dialogues and other types of creative writing have threatened the credits and financial condition of professional writers. According to an article by Aaron Mok and Jacob Zinkula on ''[https://www.businessinsider.com/ Business Insider]'', writing jobs are among the top 10 roles that AI is most likely to replace. {{sfn|Mok|2023}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography ===
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{{Refend}}

[[Category:Fall 2023]]
[[Category:ENGL 5106]]

Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-25T22:00:05Z

HRoney: /* Personas in Digital Writing */

'''Technical Writing in the Digital Age''' represents the dynamic and evolving discipline of creating written materials that convey complex information, instructions, and technical concepts in the context of contemporary digital technologies. Its purview encompasses the creation, dissemination, and management of technical documents and content within an expansive digital landscape. Connected networks of workstations, laptops, cell phones, tablets, and servers are the central nervous system in the technical workplace.{{sfn|Johnson|2018|p=2}}

Major considerations revolve around adapting traditional principles of rhetoric to digital platforms, ensuring effective communication in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. Key factors include integrating multimedia elements, user-centered design principles, and ethical considerations like accessibility and inclusivity. This discipline also extends to collaborative writing processes and version control systems, acknowledging the necessity of teamwork in producing accurate and up-to-date technical documentation. The use of multi-modality and the interfacing of multiple media platforms and sources also plays a role in digital technical writing. In essence, technical writing in the digital age encapsulates the art and science of conveying technical information in a manner that is comprehensible and accessible to diverse audiences in our digitally driven society.

==Overview==

=== Aims of Technical Communication ===
As much as technical communication is a discipline in and of itself, it also exists within many other disciplines. Examples of technical communication communities can be found among such fields as varied as education, business, and science. Technical documentation within any domain typically embodies a similar aim: to help its audience act toward some sort of task or goal. {{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}}

=== Characteristics of Technical Communication ===
Because technical communication is intended to guide an audience, it must be assembled in such a way that it is very easily understood. Successful technical documentation is accurate, logically sound, and appropriate. {{sfn|Perelman|1998}} Communication can be said to be accurate in two different understandings: accurate in description and accurate in content. Accurate descriptions are easy to understand. Accurate content provides for the intended result. Communication that is delivered logically is well-organized and clear and can be approached in a manner that will be coherent for most users. Technical information that is appropriate contains elements and steps that are suitable for the intended purpose and audience.

== Technical Documents ==
Technical writing encompasses various genres and styles, influenced by the information and discourse communities. Not all technical documents are produced by technical writers, as professionals produce various technical documents.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=32}}

Common types of technical communication include:{{sfn|Mussack|2021}}

==== Case Studies ====
Case studies are a form of empirical or observational research that consists of in-depth examination of distinct individuals, groups, events, or scenarios. This research can be used to generate qualitative or quantitative data. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=401-404}}

==== Data Sheets ====
A data sheet, also known as a technical datasheet, is a document used to describe and summarize the characteristics of a product, material, component, or technology. {{sfn|IDA|2020|p=}}

====Descriptions====
Descriptions are concise explanations of procedures and processes that assist readers in understanding how something works. Product descriptions and process descriptions are the two main types of technical descriptions. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=443-453}}

*Product: provides detailed information about a specific item, including its features, specifications, and benefits.
*Process: provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform a particular task or achieve a specific outcome.

==== Documentation ====
Documentation comprises various texts that allow users to accomplish tasks or gain information. It generally falls into three categories, which can be defined as follows:
* Instructions: Text that describes how to complete a task, often offering numbered steps. Examples include how to download software or assemble a product.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=167}}
* Specifications: Communications that deliver technical details on how a product is put together or a specific operation is executed. Also known as "specs," these texts may be written by engineers or technicians.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}
* Procedures and Protocols: Guidelines to ensure consistency, quality, and safety in the workplace. For example, a hospital may provide staff with procedures on how to adapt operations during an emergency, such as a power outage.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=205}}

==== Email ====
Emails are the primary form of communication in the workplace, used for both internal and external communication. They facilitate information exchange, idea exchange, and activity coordination.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=335}} Emails should be brief, concise, readable, and targeted to specific audiences with specific subject lines.{{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=348}}

==== Letters ====
Letters are a traditional form of communication most often used by employees to communicate with individuals outside of a company or organization. They are typically written on company letterhead. Today, letters are sent either by U.S. mail or electronically. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=139}}

==== Memos ====
A memo (short for memorandum) is an official communication, usually a message from the company, a manager or director, or another person or group acting in an official capacity, used to communicate with others within the same organization. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|p=353}}

==== Press Releases ====
A press release can be an announcement or recent news that is distributed to media outlets from a company, with intentions on spreading the information to the general public. A press release can be called a press-statement, news release or media release.{{sfn|Pradhan|2021}}

==== Proposals ====
A proposal is a document that identifies an existing problem or opportunity and outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing it. Organizations create ''internal'' proposals to describe programs and projects that meet specific operational needs, such as a plan to replace an outdated software system. Companies develop ''external'' proposals for potential customers or clients. These documents detail new products, services, or initiatives that a company will implement to address a specific customer concern.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=245}}

==== Reports ====
A report is a concise, easily understandable document that presents technical information in a clear, organized format, allowing readers to access varying levels of information. Reports are categorized as informal, such as briefs, and formal, such as research, scientific, and completion reports. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|loc=chpt 10 & 11}}

===== Informal Reports =====
Brief reports provide an objective overview of an organization's current state, past events, and future plans, ensuring that readers are well-informed about the organization's operations. Brief reports are categorized into three subcategories:

* Progress reports inform management about the progress or status of a project.
* White papers educate management or clients about important issues.

===== Formal Reports =====
A formal report is a factual and data-driven response to a research question.
* Research reports present the findings of a study.
* Scientific research reports outline the process, progress, and results of technical or scientific research or the current state of a research problem.
* Completion reports assess the outcomes of a project or initiative and provide feedback to management or the client.

==== Resumes ====
Résumés offer an overview of an individual’s educational credentials and professional experience and often are used to demonstrate an applicant’s qualifications to potential employers. {{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|p=100}} They may be organized in various ways, but two common approaches are chronologically and by skills. Chronological résumés demonstrate the sequence of education and employment history and detail a person’s tasks, responsibilities, and achievements in each successive role. Skills résumés provide employment history, but the primary focus is to highlight how an individual applied distinct skills and experiences across various professional positions. {{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019|pp=411-412}}

==== User guides ====
A user guide is an instructional manual created to help consumers use the product, service or system. A user guide typically includes step-by-step instructions.{{Sfn|Wainaina|2022}}

==Features of Technical Communication==
Technical communication involves conveying complex information to a specific audience. Key features include accuracy, attention to detail, visuals, and clear and concise organization to enhance user understanding. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

=== Accuracy ===

==== Standards Compliant ====
Many technical fields have industry-specific regulations and guidelines which are determined by governing bodies and that also have an impact on their technical communication. Furthermore, many organizations may have a style guide that outlines preferred language usage, tone, and formatting. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}}

==== Detailed ====
Accurate information that is delivered with precision and specificity is essential to providing communication that is unambiguous and free of discrepancies. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} It is free of errors and inconsistencies.

==== Objective ====
Objective communication is presented in an unbiased and impartial manner and is free of personal opinions. It relies upon facts and evidence and avoids an overly emotional tone. This approach is particularly important in fields where accuracy and impartiality are essential. {{sfn|Detwiler|2021}}

===== Clear and Concise =====
Clear language is organized logically, is not unnecessarily involved, and is easily understood by the target audience. It will avoid needless jargon and complexity. Good technical communication expresses meaning in a way that is straightforward and that avoids redundant words or excessive explanations. It is easy to both absorb and process. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} {{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

=== Soundness ===

==== Formatted and Organized ====
Technical documents should be formatted in a way that is consistent with the norms and standards of applicable professional fields. Additionally, formatting should adhere to guidelines which enhance usability. Information should be logically organized for easy reading comprehension. This may involve using headings, subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists. Formatting detail should remain consistent throughout the document. {{sfn|Smirti|2022}} {{sfn|Proofed Editors|2020}}

==== Graphical ====
Technical communication utilizes visuals strategically to facilitate understanding of textual content. Visuals such as diagrams, charts, graphs or images can enhance understanding on a technical document. When presented properly, they can elucidate difficult concepts and make material accessible to a more diverse audience. {{sfn|AI and the LinkedIn Community|2023}}

=== Appropriateness ===

==== Audience-specific ====
Where possible, technical communication should be customized to align with the knowledge and needs of its audience. Communication style and tone should be tailored to match the audience's level of expertise and should take into consideration such factors as the the users' technical background, familiarity with the subject, and specific requirements. {{sfn|Viral Nation|2019}}

== Digital Technologies Tools==
With the rise of digital technology, technical writing has had to adapt to the needs of a digital era. The predominant impact of such a revolution was that it made technical communication more accessible by increasing the breadth of its viewers. The world-wide web is public, and thus, it can be accessed by anyone with access to the internet. Such a phenomenon can be exploited to increase the audience of a virtual document.

Technical writers can use a variety of tools to author and present their documents.

==== Content Management Systems (CMS) ====
A content management system (CMS) is a software application that allows users to create, manage, and modify digital content on a website. It provides a user-friendly interface and tools to easily organize, publish, and update content, including text, images, videos, and documents. Additionally, CMSs often offer features like user permissions, version control, and SEO optimization to enhance the overall website management experience. {{sfn|Barr|2006|p=129}}
Some popular examples of CMS include [https://wordpress.com/ WordPress], [https://www.wix.com/ Wix], and [https://www.blogger.com/about/?bpli=1 Blogger].

==== Image Processing Software ====

==== Word Processors ====
Word processors are software applications designed for creating, editing, and formatting documents on a computer. They provide a wide range of features, such as spell-checking, grammar-checking, and the ability to insert images and tables. These programs are typically used for tasks like writing essays, creating reports, or drafting professional documents. {{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=229}}Some popular software applications are [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/word Microsoft Word], [https://www.google.com/docs/about/ Google Docs][https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/sharepoint/collaboration , SharePoint], and [https://www.apple.com/pages/ Apple Pages].These programs allow documents to be readily disseminated. Comment capability allows audience members to interact about a document with one another as well as with the document author.

==== Text Editors ====

==Historical Context==
===Technical Writing Profession===
Joseph P. Chapline is considered to be one of the first technical writers, having written in 1949 the first ever user manual for the Binary Automatic Computer (BINAC), an early personal computer.{{sfn|Malone|2008}} In the 1950s, technical writing as a distinct profession began to take shape when technical writers founded formal organizations, academic programs, and conferences dedicated to the art. One of these key writing associations was the Association of Technical Writers and Editors, also formed in the 1950s. Several of these groups eventually merged, forming the Society of Technical Communication in 1960.{{sfn|Malone|2011|pp=285-306}}

The need for paperwork ushered in by World War II served as the driving force for the technical writing profession in the United States. {{sfn|Rathbone|1958}} This was a time years before the computer and photocopier became common office equipment. During this period, the role of the technical writer revolved solely around words, and their primary work tools consisted of either a pencil or ink pen and paper. The technical writer would draft the document by hand, and a typist or clerical worker would then use a typewriter to transfer the writer's words into a finished document.

Advances in technology thrust the technical writing profession into a new era. The work of the technical writer may now also include not only text, but also images, drawings, and computer-based media. The current role of the technical writer is not only to write, but they may also be involved in research and information gathering, speaking with technical experts, and selecting document mediums and project tools. {{sfn|Macari|2023}}

The projects of today's technical writers can be as varied as writing instructions to assemble a living room chair to creating websites. {{sfn|Grimstead|1999}} And the titles of today's technical writers may vary as well. They may be referred to by names as diverse as information architects to documentation specialists. {{sfn|Grimstead|1999}}

==Personas in Digital Writing==
Personas in the context of digital writing, which is writing composed, created and read in digital environments, refer to semi-fictional characters that encapsulate the characteristics, behaviors, and needs of target audience segments. They align closely with the principles of user-centered design (UCD).{{sfn|Lucas|2023a}}
There are myriad ways to integrate user-centered thinking into the creative process of UX design, and personas are one of the most effective ways to empathize with and analyze users.{{sfn|Goltz|2014}}

==Rhetorical Strategies in the Digital Age==
Rhetoric is a communication strategy whose primary goal is to persuade an audience. It is grounded in three foundational concepts first defined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. These concepts are ''logos'', which engages with the reader’s sense of logic or reason; ''pathos'', which appeals to the reader’s emotions; and ''ethos'', which addresses the audience’s values and the writer’s credibility. Within this framework, writers utilize specific techniques or devices to influence and engage readers. Examples include appealing to an audience’s sense of logic by using factual examples to support a point or evoking emotion through descriptive visual language. {{sfn|Gagich|Zickel|n.d.|pp=34-37}}

In today’s digital age, writers can use digital technologies as rhetorical devices to influence the reader. Electronic images and informational graphics can be incorporated into digital and online documents to illustrate or reinforce points made in the text.{{sfn|Markel|Selber|2019}} Hyperlinks can be used to provide additional information that supports the author's ideas. Nevertheless, the writer's basic task of informing and persuading an audience is the same in digital communication as in other forms of writing.{{sfn|DeVoss|National Writing Project|Eidman-Aadahl|Hicks|2010|p=105}}

Rhetorical analysis involves analyzing the demographics and habits of an intended audience. The information gathered allows writers to craft messages that appeal to the target audience. In the digital age, websites and social media platforms convey rhetorical messages.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|pp=6-14}}

==Search Engine Optimization (SEO)==
SEO refers to the practice of optimizing online content to enhance its visibility and ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs), making it a crucial skill for digital writers.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize content for SEO means to have the goal of SEO in mind at the time of designing, creating, and writing a web page for publication. Using keywords and alt-text are two examples of optimizing content for SEO. {{sfn|Barr|2010|loc=chpt. 17}}

=== Keywords ===
Keywords are the words that search engines crawl a website for and index as the page's most important words. Based on other pages using the same keywords, the website is added into the search engine results pages from best matches to worse matches. Depending on where the website falls in that scale based on the specific keywords being searched by a user, influences where the website pops up in the associated search results.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}} To optimize a website's keywords, you should begin with researching keywords on your own website and ensure that you have an XML [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitemaps sitemap] so search engine's such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google Google] can crawl your web pages for updated information. In addition to using keywords, updating a page's metadata information can also help with showing up on SERPs. Using title and header tags as well as meta descriptions for content also helps optimize a website's ratings in SERPs.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Alt-Text ===
Alt-Text (alternative text), or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute Alt Attributes], is a practice that increases the usability and accessibility of a web page for users. Alt-Text is often used for visual elements that cannot be displayed in a different format but still provides description of the element for screen readers or users that may have a disability. Alt-Text also improves a website's SEO as a form of content optimization.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Social Media Presence ===
Sharing content from a website across different social media platforms is another way to create SEO optimization. This technique can help with being seen as legitimate and improves visibility of the website overall. Additionally it can drive traffic and enables back-linking to occur when other websites have the ability to also link to the website.{{sfn|Lucas|2023b}}

=== Goals of Searching: The User's Perspective ===
A user of search engines formulates queries by using keywords or posing questions. One of the most important elements of building an SEO strategy for a website is developing a thorough understanding of the psychology of your target audience, and how they use words and concepts to obtain information about the services and/or products you provide. Once you understand how the average search engine user—and, more specifically, your target audience—utilizes query-based search engines, you can more effectively reach and keep those users. {{sfn|Enge|Spencer|Stricchiola|2022|p=9}}

==Digital Documentation ==
Digital documentation is the conversion of physical documents into digital files, enabling easier access, retrieval, and sharing of information. It includes features like searchability, version control, and security measures to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.{{sfn|Lucas|2014}}

===Characteristics of Digital Documents===

==== Electronic Format ====
Digital documents exist in electronic formats, which means they are stored and transmitted as binary data. This format allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and transmission of information via electronic devices.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}} Digital documentation is the only method to meet a critical challenge of the relatively new concept of "knowledge management" that applies to all organizations. A digital knowledge management system is crucial to an organization so everyone can access information created by employees who are no longer with the organization or cross-referencing with other seemingly unrelated departments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ibm.com/topics/knowledge-management |title=What is Knowledge Management? |website=IBM |access-date= 24 November 2023}}</ref>

==== Non-Tangible ====
Unlike paper documents, digital documents lack physical presence. They are intangible and exist as electronic files, residing on devices or in the cloud.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Accessibility ====
Website content should be designed in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access the same information as those without disabilities.{{sfn|WAI|2022}} It is a legal requirement to include accessibility features in website design.{{sfn|WCAG|2023}} There are four different types of impairment that can affect how a user interacts and perceives digital documents: vision, mobility, auditory, and cognitive.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=42}}Digital documents will need to be optimized so that information can be accessed by hardware and software tools used by people with disabilities.{{sfn|Barr|2010|pp=103-104}}

====Readability====
Digital documents rely on the "Seven Cs" of precise writing to be effective and increase readability. Forms of technical writing must have readability. Readability is a term used to determine whether the content has clarity, conciseness and courtesy.{{sfn|Zeleznik|Burnett|Benson|1999|p=207}} The other four Cs are coherent, concrete, correct and complete.{{sfn|Last|2019}}

====Scannability====
A document's scannability is determined by the ease in which it can be scanned to determine meaning. Readers often scan pages for words and phrases that align with their task or interests, as well as for trigger words that are deeply ingrained.{{sfn|Krug|2014|p=23}} The most effective web content is concise and simple to scan, making it easy for users to find the important information. Breaking up text into interesting, easy-to-read sections helps users quickly find information. {{sfn|Barr|2010|p=103}}

==== Ease of Reproduction and Distribution ====
Digital documents are easily copied and distributed. They can be duplicated without any loss of quality, making it simple to share information widely and at minimal cost.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

====Hyperlinking====
Hyperlinking is a quick and efficient method for directing readers to relevant information in digital documents, facilitating seamless navigation between sections, references, and external resources.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=79}}

====Multimedia====
Digital documents can incorporate multimedia elements like images, audio, video, and interactive content, enhancing engagement through visual and auditory elements. Multiple media formats work best when sharing new, complicated ideas.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=36}} Increasing multimodality on a website improves engagement, usability, and accessibility. This can improve the impact of the website's standings in SERPs.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

====Version Control====
Version control is a characteristic of digital documents that allows for the tracking of edits and revisions to digital documents. In collaborative writing, version control helps maintain the document with accountability and transparency.{{sfn|Lucas|2023d}}

==== Remote Collaboration ====
One form of collaborative technical writing is a wiki, which is a "Web site developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content.{{sfn|Lucas|2021}} One of the predominant elements of a wiki is that it is defined as being open source. As a result, anyone can modify it regardless of their geographic locations.

==== Security Measures ====
Digital documents can be protected with encryption, passwords, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information. These security measures enhance data protection and privacy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Environmental Impact ====
Digital documents have a smaller environmental footprint compared to paper documents, as they reduce the need for paper production, printing, and transportation.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Dynamic Updates ====
Online digital documents can be updated dynamically, ensuring that users always have access to the most current information. This is particularly valuable in fast-changing fields.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Global Accessibility ====
Digital documents can be shared globally, transcending geographical boundaries and time zones. They support international collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge on a global scale.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Data Integration ====
In business and research settings, digital documents can integrate with databases and data analysis tools. This integration streamlines data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==== Data Analytics ====
Digital documents can be subjected to data analytics techniques, allowing organizations to extract valuable insights from large volumes of textual data, which can inform decision-making and strategy.{{sfn|Lucas|2023c}}

==Examples of Digital Documents==
In technical and professional writing, digital documentation takes various forms. These methods streamline the sharing of technical information, enhance collaboration, and ensure easy accessibility within professional settings, contributing to efficient communication and knowledge dissemination.

==== Infographics ====
Infographics, shared as digital documents, typically combine text, graphics, and illustrations to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing format. Infographics are often used to simplify information, making it more accessible to a broader audience, and are found in presentations, reports, websites, and educational materials. {{sfn|Lannon|Gurak|2020|pp=292-293}}

==== Presentations ====
Presentations created with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint PowerPoint] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Slides Google Slides] are vital for professional communication and knowledge sharing. They condense complex information into visually appealing slides for effective presentations by using photos, videos, graphics, charts, and graphs.{{sfn|Parkinson|2018|loc=chpt. 4}}

==== Blogs ====
A blog, short for "weblog," is an informational website organized into short articles called posts, typically chronologically ordered series of website updates, written and organized similar to a traditional diary.{{sfn|Bair|2014|p=7}} They are regularly updated, providing readers with insights on a specific topic or subject. Blogs serve various purposes, including sharing opinions, providing news, offering educational content, and documenting personal experiences.{{sfn|Rose|Garret|2012|p=2}}

==User Experience==
User experience is how a product works from the perspective of the user. Digital documents can be created with efficient user experiences by focusing on user-centered design. {{sfn|Garrett|2011|p=17}}

=== User-Centered Design ===
The approach of user-centered design (UCD) in technical writing consists of the following methodology{{sfn|Lucas|2023e}}:

==== User Research ====
User research is the act of conducting thorough research through surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gain a better understanding of user needs and experiences when using a digital document.

==== Ideation and Prototyping ====
Ideation and prototyping refers to the process of creating digital designs and prototypes to assist with exploring possible solutions to meet user needs.

==== Usability Testing ====
Usability testing refers to the act of having users interact with digital document designs and recording and adjusting the design based on user feedback.

==== Implementation ====
Implementation is the stage in which the design is implemented after making adjustments from prior testing.

==== Evaluation ====
Evaluation refers to the stage in which the digital document is assessed to ensure that it is meeting user needs.

==== Maintenance and Updates ====
Maintenance and updates are required in order to maintain a digital document based on user feedback and changing needs.

==Ethical Considerations==
In technical workplaces, resolving ethical dilemmas will be part of one's job. Resources, time, and reputations are at stake, so one will feel pressure to overpromise, underdeliver, bend the rules, cook the numbers, or exaggerate results. Technical fields are also highly competitive, so people sometimes stretch a little further than they should. Ethical dilemmas can force one into situations in which all choices seem unsatisfactory.{{sfn|Johnson-Sheehan|2018|pp=71-84}}

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world's oldest professional association dedicated to advancing the field of technical communication.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023a}} The STC promotes adherence to a list of ethical principles. They are legality, honesty, confidentiality, quality, fairness, and professionalism.{{sfn|Society for Technical Communication|2023b}}

Technical communicators also have to be careful to avoid plagiarism, or taking ideas, thoughts, or words from someone else and passing them off as one's own.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

Technical communicators have ethical standards to which they must abide. The standards are divided into three primary categories. They are the employer, the public, and the environment.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

=== The Employer ===
Obligations to one's employer include competence and diligence, honesty and candor, confidentiality, and loyalty.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} The technical communicator must adhere to these obligations so that he/she does not harm the reputation or operation of the employer.

Technical communicators may occasionally work for an organization with strict privacy policies that prohibit them from using the documents they create outside of the organization. It is important for ethical communicators to follow the privacy policy for their organization because unauthorized release of information could lead to consequences up to and including termination.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

=== The Public ===
Organizations are obligated to treat customers fairly. Technical communicators must convey that the products or services an organization sells are safe and effective.{{sfn|Markel|2009}}

=== The Environment ===
Technical communicators have an obligation to the environment. This obligation includes alerting their supervisors, managers, and executive leadership to products or processes that are detrimental to the environment. Protecting the environment can be costly, however, and organizations may consider ignoring legal guidelines to save money.{{sfn|Markel|2009}} Yet, failure to adhere to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations also has financial implications. For example, the penalty for mishandling hazardous waste is five years and/or up to $50,000 for each day of the violation.{{sfn|EPA|2023}}

===Disinformation===
One major ethical concern in all forms of writing, but especially in digital writing, is the creation and spread of disinformation. Disinformation, often referred to as "[[w:Fake news|fake news]]," is information that is purposefully spread as false or misleading and is a sub-type of misinformation.{{sfn|Lawrence|2022|loc=section 3.7}} Modern communication technologies allow for the spread of information to occur at a fast pace. Social media is one area where the spread of disinformation occurs regularly. Some social media sites, such as Facebook, have begun to flag certain articles posted on the site as being questionable in their representation of facts or occurrences. Despite the widespread understanding and use of disinformation available today, digital writers need to be aware of their intent and the audience's needs and wants from their digital communication.{{sfn|Lucas|2023f}} Ethical considerations regarding citing sources, cross-referencing information, and using primary sources are good practices for maintaining ethical standing and credibility as a digital writer.

To help mitigate the problem of disinformation, technical writers should utilize gatekeepers. These individuals verify the accuracy of the information before it is distributed to primary readers. This helps protect the author from any ethical and/or legal issues.{{sfn|Balzotti|2022|p=83}}

==Pedagogical Approaches==
Barriers to teaching technical communications include the speed at which digital tools evolve and the complexity of software. {{sfn|Hovde|2017|pp=395-411}}

Informal writing, such as some emailing, instant messaging, and texting, has crept into academic writing. In a study conducted by the Pew Internet & America Life Project, almost half of the respondents admitted to omitting proper punctuation and capitalization. Others even used emoticons. Colleges and universities now must focus on educating students on the different forms of written communication and when best to employ them.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=280}}

==Future Trends and Challenges==
===Future Trends===
Between 2022 and 2032, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Labor_Statistics, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics] is projecting a 7% job growth for technical writers. {{sfn|United States Bureau of Labor Statistics|2023}} To be relevant as a technical writer in the digital age, one must possess the skills of conducting in-depth research, critical thinking, being detail oriented, design, and technical expertise. To succeed at communicating the complex to specific audiences, the technical writer must understand much of the subject in its complexity. This is accomplished through possessing the skills of communication, collaboration, and teamwork.{{sfn|Fechter|2023}}

===Challenges===
Among others, a prominent barrier to technical writers is the dependency on input information accuracy. Outdated, incorrect, or inconsistent data delays the publication, requires more reparative efforts, and decreases productivity.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}} Also, Technical writers often have to contend with complex, outdated or unsuitable tools. This can make their job more difficult and time-consuming, and can lead to frustration and errors.{{sfn|Ajose-Coker|2022}}

===Artificial Intelligence===
Artificial intelligence programs, utilizing natural language processing, are capable of producing technical writing and have advanced in recent years becoming more adept.{{sfn|Marr|2023}}

One such program is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT ChatGPT], which uses machine learning to produce texts with human-like style and tone. {{sfn|University of Central Arkansas|2023}} Another leader in this area, Contentbot, uses a WordPress plugin which gives blog writers ideas to enhance their posts which are shared via email.{{sfn|Siddiqui|2022}}

===Plagiarism===
Because of the ability of chatbots to imitate human-like language, some education administrators have taken precautions to minimize the occurrence of students passing off artificially generated texts as their own. In some instances, educators have taken the view that material drawn from artificial intelligence software must be handled in the same way as sources from human authors. {{sfn|Klein|2023}} In such cases, students who incorporate artificially generated text into their work have been made to denote credit for the artificial intelligence program utilized.

===Credit===
The advent of chatbots has complicated the issue of credit where creative work is concerned. Because chatbots can simulate human speech, their ability to create cinematic dialogues and other types of creative writing have threatened the credits and financial condition of professional writers. According to an article by Aaron Mok and Jacob Zinkula on ''[https://www.businessinsider.com/ Business Insider]'', writing jobs are among the top 10 roles that AI is most likely to replace. {{sfn|Mok|2023}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

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* {{cite book |last=Mussack |first=Brigitte |date=2021 |title=Introduction to Technical and Professional Communication |url=https://pressbooks.umn.edu/techwriting/front-matter/introduction/ |location= |publisher=Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial |pages=n.p. |author-link= }}
* {{cite book| last=Parkinson |first=Mike |title=A Trainer’s Guide to PowerPoint: Best Practices for Master Presenters| location=United States| publisher=Association for Talent Development| chapter=Chapter 4. PowerPoint Tips, Tricks, and Secrets| date=2018 }}
* {{cite book |last=Perelman |first=Leslie |date=1998 |title=The Mayfield Handbook of Technical and Scientific Writing |url=https://www.mit.edu/course/21/21.guide/ |location=Mountain View |publisher=Mayfield Publishing Company |pages=n.p. |isbn= |author-link= }}
* {{cite web |url=https://learn.g2.com/how-to-write-a-press-release |title=How to Write a Press Release That Catches People's Attention |date=2021 |last=Pradhan |first=Ninisha |website=learn.g2.com |publisher=G2.com |access-date=2023-11-21 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://proofed.com/writing-tips/a-beginners-guide-to-technical-writing/ |title=A Beginner’s Guide to Technical Writing |last=Proofed Editors |date=2020 |website=Proofed.com |publisher=Proofed |access-date=2023-11-05 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Rathbone |first=Robert |title=Growth of the technical writing profession |journal=STWE Review |volume=5 |issue=1 |date=1958 |pages=5-16 }}
* {{cite book |last=Rose|first=Darren |last2=Garret |first2=Chris|date=2012 |title=ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income|url=|location=Indianapolis, IN |publisher=Jon Wiley & Sons, Inc|pages=|isbn=|author-link= }}
*{{cite book |last=Robbins |first=Jennifer Niederst |date=2018 |title=Learning Web Design: A Beginner’s Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics (5th ed.) |url= |location=Sebastopol, CA |publisher= O’Reilly Media, Inc. }}
* {{cite web |url=https://writingcooperative.com/intricacies-of-ai-tools-can-ai-tools-take-over-the-jobs-of-technical-writers-af36836f625c |last=Siddiqui |first=Zafar |title=Will Best Artificial Intelligence Take Over any Technical Content Writer? |date=2022 |website=writingcooperative.com |publisher=The Writing Cooperative |access-date=2023-11-19 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.managementnote.com/features-of-technical-communication/#google_vignette |title=Features of Technical Communication |last=Smirti |date=2022 |website=managementnote.com |publisher=Management Note |access-date= 2023-11-05 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.stc.org/about-stc/ |title=About STC |last=Society for Technical Communication |first= |date=2023a |website=stc.org |publisher= |access-date=2023-10-27 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.stc.org/about-stc/ethical-principles/ |title=Ethical Principles |last=Society for Technical Communication |first= |date=2023b |website=stc.org |publisher= |access-date=2023-10-27 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm#tab-6 |title=Occupational Outlook Handbook |last=United States Bureau of Labor Statistics |first= |date=2023 |website=bls.gov |publisher=United States Department of Labor |access-date=2023-11-07 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://uca.edu/cetal/chat-gpt/ |title=Chat GPT: What is it? |last=University of Central Arkansas |first= |date= |website=uca.edu |publisher= University of Central Arkansas |access-date=2023-10-09 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.viralnation.com/blog/what-is-digital-content-creation-and-how-can-it-help-me-as-a-marketing-manager/#:~:text=A%20rule%20of%20thumb%20in%20digital%20content%20creation,turn%2C%20share%20it%20with%20others%20in%20their%20network. |title=What is Digital Content Creation? (and How Can It Help Me as a Marketing Manager) |last=Viral Nation |date=2019 |website=viralnation.com |publisher= Viral Nation |access-date=2023-11-05 }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-intro/|title=Introduction to Web Accessibility |last=WAI |first=|date=2022 |website=W3.org|publisher= |access-date= 2023-10-26 |quote= }}
* {{cite web |url=https://scribehow.com/library/user-guide |title=What is a User Guide? Everything You Need to Know |last=Wainaina |first=Timan |date=2022 |website= |publisher= |access-date=22 November 2023 |quote= |ref=harv }}
* {{cite web |url=https://wcag.com/legal/|title=Accessibility and the Law |last=WCAG |first= |date=2023 |website=wcag.com|publisher=eSSENTIAL Accessibility |access-date= 2023-10-26 |quote= }}
* {{cite book |last=Zeleznik |first=J. M. |last2=Burnett |first2=R. E. |last3=Benson |first3=P. J. |date=1999 |title=Technical Writing: What It Is and How to Do It |url= |location= |publisher=National Book Network |pages=107 |isbn= |author-link= }}

{{Refend}}

[[Category:Fall 2023]]
[[Category:ENGL 5106]]

Talk:Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-14T03:03:24Z

HRoney: /* Paragraph Blocks */

==Layout and Lead==
Just to get this thing going, I have created the article, developed a rudimentary layout, and added a lead written by ChatGTP. '''All of this may be kept or changed'''. I would certainly revise or rewrite the lead. Questions, ideas, discussion, and comments about the project should be posted here. I'm looking forward to seeing what you all come up with this semester. —[[User:Admin|Admin]] ([[User talk:Admin|talk]]) 09:38, 3 October 2023 (EDT)

==Citation question==
I am citing a later edition of a source that is cited elsewhere on the page. (Markel, Mike, and Selber, Stuart. (2021). Technical Communication (13th ed). This version has a second author. Should these entries be combined somehow?
:{{Reply to|Beth Kennedy}} Yes. If you’re using the updated version, update the earlier source. Great question, but don’t forget to sign your talk posts. —[[User:Admin|Admin]] ([[User talk:Admin|talk]]) 14:35, 2 November 2023 (EDT)

::{{Reply to|Admin}}Thank you. I have linked the first citation in the article (paragraph 1) to my Markel use under "Rhetorical Strategies." {{Reply to|mroma98}} and {{Reply to|RDrummond}}, in looking at the article history, it seems one of you may have added the Markel references under Ethical Considerations. I did not update those references yet because the oldest copyright date on my source is 2012, and I was also unsure of the page numbers. If you review the citation I added, and it is appropriate to reference, the shortened reference is <ref name="Markel">. Thanks. --[[User:Beth Kennedy|Beth Kennedy]] ([[User talk:Beth Kennedy|talk]]) 18:23, 13 November 2023 (EST)

==Shortened Footnotes==
I added the template to the project. All you need to do is add the code for your reference under Bibliography and then the SFN code under citations. I made a quick, visual [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QGEr_RhDMKZvPqvncmDR9eoHRmOLeFkXpzp9nzFb-Sg/edit?usp=sharing step-by-step] that show you how to pull the [https://grlucas.net/grl/April%2015,%202019 template] and paste the code.--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 14:11, 11 November 2023 (EST)
Nice work! Thanks [[User:Cggreen|Cggreen]] ([[User talk:Cggreen|talk]]) 09:28, 13 November 2023 (EST)

== References question ==

Should References be the heading, followed by Bibliography as a subheading? Would this only apply if we are using Notes, Citations, and a Bibliography?--[[User:CEToledo|CEToledo]] ([[User talk:CEToledo|talk]]) 19:14, 4 November 2023 (EDT)
: {{Reply to|CEToledo}} You can do whatever seems logical for this. Check out [[w:The Man Who Studied Yoga|The Man Who Studied Yoga]] to see a way to approach a references section. —[[User:Admin|Admin]] ([[User talk:Admin|talk]]) 07:27, 6 November 2023 (EST)

--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 12:50, 6 November 2023 (EST)== Shortened footnote code ==
I am having trouble understanding where the placement of the works cited and the shortened footnote code should be. I sent an inquiry email to Dr. Lucas. [[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 14:41, 5 November 2023 (EST)
:{{Reply to|Debbiebwolfe}} I would put references at the bottom, in a bibliography section. Then you can use the shortened footnotes in the body. This is an easier approach for everyone editing, as they can easily consult the bibliography to see if a reference has been used and entered. —07:30, 6 November 2023 (EST)

::{{Reply to|Debbiebwolfe}} and {{Reply to|CEToledo}} It seems we have two forms of citation happening now: the original one and the revised format that Debbie created. (Thanks Debbie and thanks for the tutorial (above), very helpful!). I think the bibliography with citations using shortened footnotes is a good approach, and my vote would be to transition to this. But it would be good to have consensus. Is everyone ok with this approach? --[[User:Beth Kennedy|Beth Kennedy]] ([[User talk:Beth Kennedy|talk]]) 19:07, 13 November 2023 (EST)

Do I need to have the citation section? I see that my shorten footnotes are displaying in the reference section.--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 15:48, 6 November 2023 (EST)

== Paragraph Blocks ==

I can't believe how well and quickly this is coming along. At any rate, on to my dispute...are we adhering to any particular standard in terms of the size of paragraph blocks? Too long and it reduces the likelihood of it being read, too brief (a single sentence) and the topic/subtopic of the contribution seems too unnecessary to even mention. -- [[User:CBrown]]

I separated the Digital Document and User Experience sections. I think paragraph blocks should have around three to four sentences max. More than that, we can create a new subheading.--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 06:41, 8 November 2023 (EST)

The Ethical Considerations section seems to run together. Can it be separated into smaller sections with the primary categories as headings: "Employer," "Public," and "Environment?" --[[User:APitts]]

@APitts I agree that it would work better to separate into smaller sections. It would make them appear neater and more organized. -- [[User: HRoney]]

Can we agree then that there are no more additions to the "Ethical Considerations" section? [[User:Cggreen|Cggreen]] ([[User talk:Cggreen|talk]]) 09:50, 13 November 2023 (EST)

Edits have been made to separate the Ethical Considerations portion into categories. Can someone look over my work or make any edits as you see fit? -- [[User: APitts]]

::::{{Reply to |APitts}} I looked over your work and it looks good to me! There were a couple of grammatical errors that I edited. -- [[User: HRoney]]

== Topics vs. Subtopics ==

Why are future trends and challenges separate subtopics under the future trends and challenges topic? Should there not be an overview of future trends and challenges followed by subtopics of examples of future trends and challenges, e.g. artificial intelligence. -- [[User:CBrown]]

:I am in favor of this idea/change if others agree. --[[User:Elaine Streeter|Elaine Streeter]] ([[User talk:Elaine Streeter|talk]]) 14:37, 10 November 2023 (EST)

:{{Reply to|CBrown}} The problem here is that the heading Future Trends and Challenges has room for interpretation. I think the section should just be titled Future Trends. I also think an overview of future trends could be appropriate provided information from its subheadings is not unnecessarily repeated. The material under the Challenges subheading could be relocated to another heading but I would like to hear other opinions on this proposal. —[[User:AWilliamson|AWilliamson]] ([[User talk:AWilliamson|talk]]) 20:13, 10 November 2023 (EST)
::{{Reply to |AWilliamson}} While Challenges could be a standalone heading, are we talking current or future challenges? If current, then I believe it would be best as a standalone heading. If future, then it would fit in the current format. If both, then standalone. --[[User:Mroma98|Mike Romano]] ([[User talk:Mroma98|talk]]) 20:04, 11 November 2023 (EST)

:::{{Reply to |Mroma98}} I agree with all of your points. My interpretation of the information contained within the Challenges subheading is that it refers to current challenges. I would prefer to either get input from the individual who originally contributed the content or to obtain consensus from other editors before modifying. —[[User:AWilliamson|AWilliamson]] ([[User talk:AWilliamson|talk]]) 20:47, 11 November 2023 (EST)
::::{{Reply to |AWilliamson}} OK. We're on the same page. I agree with both of your preferences. --[[User:Mroma98|Mike Romano]] ([[User talk:Mroma98|talk]]) 21:04, 11 November 2023 (EST)
::::{{Reply to |AWilliamson}} I agree that "Future Trends" and "Challenges" could be separated into two different subtopics. After reviewing the edit history, I believe Dr. Lucas is the one who created this heading, and he has indicated that any of the initial outline can be changed or removed. To me, it seems like almost everything currently in this section falls under the "Challenges" category, so that could be its own section. Then the "Future Trends" can be further developed. --[[User:Emmakd|Emma D.]] ([[User talk:Emmakd|talk]]) 15:29, 12 November 2023 (EST)

Under Ethical Considerations, I removed the second person pronouns with a more neutral one. Though the paragraph fits with the topic, writing in the second person is not standard practice for Wikipedia/Litwiki. Litwiki is the intellectual property of Dr. Gerald R. Lucas, PhD, and the rules and format of Wikipedia apply to Litwiki. --[[User:Mroma98|Mike Romano]] ([[User talk:Mroma98|talk]]) 15:07, 11 November 2023 (EST)

== Include external links section? ==

There are a few external (non-wikipedia) links in the article. Should we remove/replace the external links or create an External Links section? According to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:External%20links Wikipedia:External links]: "With rare exceptions, external links should not be used in the body of an article. Instead, include appropriate external links in an "External links" section at the end of the article, and in the appropriate location within an infobox, if applicable." —[[User:AWilliamson|AWilliamson]] ([[User talk:AWilliamson|talk]]) 20:50, 10 November 2023 (EST)

:{{Reply to|AWilliamson}} I think we should as this follows the Wikipedia guidelines as well as Dr. Lucas' earlier advice. --[[User:Apjones428|Apjones428]] ([[User talk:Apjones428|talk]]) 12:47, 13 November 2023 (EST)

==Heading Structure==
There are inconsistencies with the subheading structure on the page. I propose we establish the heading structure as follows: Heading 1 (for section titles), Subheading 1 (H2 for subsections within the main section), and Subheading 2 (H3 for items that need to be defined). No italics in subheadings.--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 14:11, 11 November 2023 (EST)
:Debbie, I agree. Your suggestion makes sense, as there should be consistency throughout. --[[User:Mroma98|Mike Romano]] ([[User talk:Mroma98|talk]]) 19:58, 11 November 2023 (EST)

: {{Reply to|Debbiebwolfe}} I support your proposal. — [[User:AWilliamson|AWilliamson]] ([[User talk:AWilliamson|talk]]) 20:56, 11 November 2023 (EST)

I edited the headings and subheadings. Thanks for your input everyone--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 18:52, 12 November 2023 (EST)

== Collaboration and Version Control ==

I think this section can be added to the digital documentation section.--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 18:51, 12 November 2023 (EST)
:I moved version control to the digital documentation section. It was already listed there as a characteristic. I left collaboration as its own section. I'm not positive it falls under the characteristics of a digital document. I think it may be fine to leave that one on its own, but also down to do whatever the group thinks is best for it. [[User:Bryanna.kerbuski|Bryanna.kerbuski]] ([[User talk:Bryanna.kerbuski|talk]]) 17:53, 13 November 2023 (EST)

== Features of Technical Communication Section ==
When compared to the other sections of the talk page, this section seems a bit choppy. I'm thinking we can get a better intro paragraph and maybe either add longer paragraphs for each item, or combine some of the subheadings together. Any thoughts on this? --[[User:Amanda.Austin1|Amanda Austin]] ([[User talk:Amanda.Austin1|talk]]) 21:19, 12 November 2023 (EST)

I do think that longer paragraphs will make the section more thorough. Maybe sections like "clear" and "concise" could be combined? [[User: HRoney]]

:{{Reply to|HRoney}} Thank you for your feedback, I've gone ahead and combined those two sections along with adding more context to the remainder of each subheadings in the section. To all, please feel free to review and let me know of any questions or revision changes you'd think would work. [[User:Amanda.Austin1|Amanda.Austin1]] ([[User talk:Amanda.Austin1|talk]]) 14:04, 13 November 2023 (EST)

==Additional Sections==
What additional sections would we like to add to this article? I will be adding in more on multi-modality as well as more information to the SEO section of the page. Other thoughts? --[[User:Apjones428|Apjones428]] ([[User talk:Apjones428|talk]]) 12:47, 13 November 2023 (EST)

:I think adding in more on both multi-modality and SEO would be helpful. SEO is one that I am struggling with understanding. I think that it'd be nice to have more information about it on our wiki.[[User:Bryanna.kerbuski|Bryanna.kerbuski]] ([[User talk:Bryanna.kerbuski|talk]]) 17:53, 13 November 2023 (EST)

== Links to other Wikipedia articles ==

In the Wikipedia: Citing Sources guidelines, under the Wikidata section, it states, "Wikidata is largely user-generated, and articles should not directly cite Wikidata as a source '''(just as it would be inappropriate to cite other Wikipedias' articles as sources)'''. Bold font is mine. Five of the eight title, name, or word links go to another Wikipedia article. One of those articles states it doesn't exist. We should consider correcting these. [[User:RDrummond|Randy M. Drummond]] ([[User talk:RDrummond|talk]]) 13:00, 13 November 2023 (EST)

Talk:Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-14T03:02:16Z

HRoney: /* Paragraph Blocks */

==Layout and Lead==
Just to get this thing going, I have created the article, developed a rudimentary layout, and added a lead written by ChatGTP. '''All of this may be kept or changed'''. I would certainly revise or rewrite the lead. Questions, ideas, discussion, and comments about the project should be posted here. I'm looking forward to seeing what you all come up with this semester. —[[User:Admin|Admin]] ([[User talk:Admin|talk]]) 09:38, 3 October 2023 (EDT)

==Citation question==
I am citing a later edition of a source that is cited elsewhere on the page. (Markel, Mike, and Selber, Stuart. (2021). Technical Communication (13th ed). This version has a second author. Should these entries be combined somehow?
:{{Reply to|Beth Kennedy}} Yes. If you’re using the updated version, update the earlier source. Great question, but don’t forget to sign your talk posts. —[[User:Admin|Admin]] ([[User talk:Admin|talk]]) 14:35, 2 November 2023 (EDT)

::{{Reply to|Admin}}Thank you. I have linked the first citation in the article (paragraph 1) to my Markel use under "Rhetorical Strategies." {{Reply to|mroma98}} and {{Reply to|RDrummond}}, in looking at the article history, it seems one of you may have added the Markel references under Ethical Considerations. I did not update those references yet because the oldest copyright date on my source is 2012, and I was also unsure of the page numbers. If you review the citation I added, and it is appropriate to reference, the shortened reference is <ref name="Markel">. Thanks. --[[User:Beth Kennedy|Beth Kennedy]] ([[User talk:Beth Kennedy|talk]]) 18:23, 13 November 2023 (EST)

==Shortened Footnotes==
I added the template to the project. All you need to do is add the code for your reference under Bibliography and then the SFN code under citations. I made a quick, visual [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QGEr_RhDMKZvPqvncmDR9eoHRmOLeFkXpzp9nzFb-Sg/edit?usp=sharing step-by-step] that show you how to pull the [https://grlucas.net/grl/April%2015,%202019 template] and paste the code.--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 14:11, 11 November 2023 (EST)
Nice work! Thanks [[User:Cggreen|Cggreen]] ([[User talk:Cggreen|talk]]) 09:28, 13 November 2023 (EST)

== References question ==

Should References be the heading, followed by Bibliography as a subheading? Would this only apply if we are using Notes, Citations, and a Bibliography?--[[User:CEToledo|CEToledo]] ([[User talk:CEToledo|talk]]) 19:14, 4 November 2023 (EDT)
: {{Reply to|CEToledo}} You can do whatever seems logical for this. Check out [[w:The Man Who Studied Yoga|The Man Who Studied Yoga]] to see a way to approach a references section. —[[User:Admin|Admin]] ([[User talk:Admin|talk]]) 07:27, 6 November 2023 (EST)

--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 12:50, 6 November 2023 (EST)== Shortened footnote code ==
I am having trouble understanding where the placement of the works cited and the shortened footnote code should be. I sent an inquiry email to Dr. Lucas. [[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 14:41, 5 November 2023 (EST)
:{{Reply to|Debbiebwolfe}} I would put references at the bottom, in a bibliography section. Then you can use the shortened footnotes in the body. This is an easier approach for everyone editing, as they can easily consult the bibliography to see if a reference has been used and entered. —07:30, 6 November 2023 (EST)

::{{Reply to|Debbiebwolfe}} and {{Reply to|CEToledo}} It seems we have two forms of citation happening now: the original one and the revised format that Debbie created. (Thanks Debbie and thanks for the tutorial (above), very helpful!). I think the bibliography with citations using shortened footnotes is a good approach, and my vote would be to transition to this. But it would be good to have consensus. Is everyone ok with this approach? --[[User:Beth Kennedy|Beth Kennedy]] ([[User talk:Beth Kennedy|talk]]) 19:07, 13 November 2023 (EST)

Do I need to have the citation section? I see that my shorten footnotes are displaying in the reference section.--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 15:48, 6 November 2023 (EST)

== Paragraph Blocks ==

I can't believe how well and quickly this is coming along. At any rate, on to my dispute...are we adhering to any particular standard in terms of the size of paragraph blocks? Too long and it reduces the likelihood of it being read, too brief (a single sentence) and the topic/subtopic of the contribution seems too unnecessary to even mention. -- [[User:CBrown]]

I separated the Digital Document and User Experience sections. I think paragraph blocks should have around three to four sentences max. More than that, we can create a new subheading.--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 06:41, 8 November 2023 (EST)

The Ethical Considerations section seems to run together. Can it be separated into smaller sections with the primary categories as headings: "Employer," "Public," and "Environment?" --[[User:APitts]]

@APitts I agree that it would work better to separate into smaller sections. It would make them appear neater and more organized. -- [[User: HRoney]]

Can we agree then that there are no more additions to the "Ethical Considerations" section? [[User:Cggreen|Cggreen]] ([[User talk:Cggreen|talk]]) 09:50, 13 November 2023 (EST)

Edits have been made to separate the Ethical Considerations portion into categories. Can someone look over my work or make any edits as you see fit? -- [[User: APitts]]

@Apitts I looked over your work and it looks good to me! There were a couple of grammatical errors that I edited. -- [[User: HRoney]]

== Topics vs. Subtopics ==

Why are future trends and challenges separate subtopics under the future trends and challenges topic? Should there not be an overview of future trends and challenges followed by subtopics of examples of future trends and challenges, e.g. artificial intelligence. -- [[User:CBrown]]

:I am in favor of this idea/change if others agree. --[[User:Elaine Streeter|Elaine Streeter]] ([[User talk:Elaine Streeter|talk]]) 14:37, 10 November 2023 (EST)

:{{Reply to|CBrown}} The problem here is that the heading Future Trends and Challenges has room for interpretation. I think the section should just be titled Future Trends. I also think an overview of future trends could be appropriate provided information from its subheadings is not unnecessarily repeated. The material under the Challenges subheading could be relocated to another heading but I would like to hear other opinions on this proposal. —[[User:AWilliamson|AWilliamson]] ([[User talk:AWilliamson|talk]]) 20:13, 10 November 2023 (EST)
::{{Reply to |AWilliamson}} While Challenges could be a standalone heading, are we talking current or future challenges? If current, then I believe it would be best as a standalone heading. If future, then it would fit in the current format. If both, then standalone. --[[User:Mroma98|Mike Romano]] ([[User talk:Mroma98|talk]]) 20:04, 11 November 2023 (EST)

:::{{Reply to |Mroma98}} I agree with all of your points. My interpretation of the information contained within the Challenges subheading is that it refers to current challenges. I would prefer to either get input from the individual who originally contributed the content or to obtain consensus from other editors before modifying. —[[User:AWilliamson|AWilliamson]] ([[User talk:AWilliamson|talk]]) 20:47, 11 November 2023 (EST)
::::{{Reply to |AWilliamson}} OK. We're on the same page. I agree with both of your preferences. --[[User:Mroma98|Mike Romano]] ([[User talk:Mroma98|talk]]) 21:04, 11 November 2023 (EST)
::::{{Reply to |AWilliamson}} I agree that "Future Trends" and "Challenges" could be separated into two different subtopics. After reviewing the edit history, I believe Dr. Lucas is the one who created this heading, and he has indicated that any of the initial outline can be changed or removed. To me, it seems like almost everything currently in this section falls under the "Challenges" category, so that could be its own section. Then the "Future Trends" can be further developed. --[[User:Emmakd|Emma D.]] ([[User talk:Emmakd|talk]]) 15:29, 12 November 2023 (EST)

Under Ethical Considerations, I removed the second person pronouns with a more neutral one. Though the paragraph fits with the topic, writing in the second person is not standard practice for Wikipedia/Litwiki. Litwiki is the intellectual property of Dr. Gerald R. Lucas, PhD, and the rules and format of Wikipedia apply to Litwiki. --[[User:Mroma98|Mike Romano]] ([[User talk:Mroma98|talk]]) 15:07, 11 November 2023 (EST)

== Include external links section? ==

There are a few external (non-wikipedia) links in the article. Should we remove/replace the external links or create an External Links section? According to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:External%20links Wikipedia:External links]: "With rare exceptions, external links should not be used in the body of an article. Instead, include appropriate external links in an "External links" section at the end of the article, and in the appropriate location within an infobox, if applicable." —[[User:AWilliamson|AWilliamson]] ([[User talk:AWilliamson|talk]]) 20:50, 10 November 2023 (EST)

:{{Reply to|AWilliamson}} I think we should as this follows the Wikipedia guidelines as well as Dr. Lucas' earlier advice. --[[User:Apjones428|Apjones428]] ([[User talk:Apjones428|talk]]) 12:47, 13 November 2023 (EST)

==Heading Structure==
There are inconsistencies with the subheading structure on the page. I propose we establish the heading structure as follows: Heading 1 (for section titles), Subheading 1 (H2 for subsections within the main section), and Subheading 2 (H3 for items that need to be defined). No italics in subheadings.--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 14:11, 11 November 2023 (EST)
:Debbie, I agree. Your suggestion makes sense, as there should be consistency throughout. --[[User:Mroma98|Mike Romano]] ([[User talk:Mroma98|talk]]) 19:58, 11 November 2023 (EST)

: {{Reply to|Debbiebwolfe}} I support your proposal. — [[User:AWilliamson|AWilliamson]] ([[User talk:AWilliamson|talk]]) 20:56, 11 November 2023 (EST)

I edited the headings and subheadings. Thanks for your input everyone--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 18:52, 12 November 2023 (EST)

== Collaboration and Version Control ==

I think this section can be added to the digital documentation section.--[[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbiebwolfe]] ([[User talk:Debbiebwolfe|talk]]) 18:51, 12 November 2023 (EST)
:I moved version control to the digital documentation section. It was already listed there as a characteristic. I left collaboration as its own section. I'm not positive it falls under the characteristics of a digital document. I think it may be fine to leave that one on its own, but also down to do whatever the group thinks is best for it. [[User:Bryanna.kerbuski|Bryanna.kerbuski]] ([[User talk:Bryanna.kerbuski|talk]]) 17:53, 13 November 2023 (EST)

== Features of Technical Communication Section ==
When compared to the other sections of the talk page, this section seems a bit choppy. I'm thinking we can get a better intro paragraph and maybe either add longer paragraphs for each item, or combine some of the subheadings together. Any thoughts on this? --[[User:Amanda.Austin1|Amanda Austin]] ([[User talk:Amanda.Austin1|talk]]) 21:19, 12 November 2023 (EST)

I do think that longer paragraphs will make the section more thorough. Maybe sections like "clear" and "concise" could be combined? [[User: HRoney]]

:{{Reply to|HRoney}} Thank you for your feedback, I've gone ahead and combined those two sections along with adding more context to the remainder of each subheadings in the section. To all, please feel free to review and let me know of any questions or revision changes you'd think would work. [[User:Amanda.Austin1|Amanda.Austin1]] ([[User talk:Amanda.Austin1|talk]]) 14:04, 13 November 2023 (EST)

==Additional Sections==
What additional sections would we like to add to this article? I will be adding in more on multi-modality as well as more information to the SEO section of the page. Other thoughts? --[[User:Apjones428|Apjones428]] ([[User talk:Apjones428|talk]]) 12:47, 13 November 2023 (EST)

:I think adding in more on both multi-modality and SEO would be helpful. SEO is one that I am struggling with understanding. I think that it'd be nice to have more information about it on our wiki.[[User:Bryanna.kerbuski|Bryanna.kerbuski]] ([[User talk:Bryanna.kerbuski|talk]]) 17:53, 13 November 2023 (EST)

== Links to other Wikipedia articles ==

In the Wikipedia: Citing Sources guidelines, under the Wikidata section, it states, "Wikidata is largely user-generated, and articles should not directly cite Wikidata as a source '''(just as it would be inappropriate to cite other Wikipedias' articles as sources)'''. Bold font is mine. Five of the eight title, name, or word links go to another Wikipedia article. One of those articles states it doesn't exist. We should consider correcting these. [[User:RDrummond|Randy M. Drummond]] ([[User talk:RDrummond|talk]]) 13:00, 13 November 2023 (EST)

Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-14T03:00:50Z

HRoney: /* Ethical Considerations */ grammar

Talk:Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-13T05:01:18Z

HRoney: /* Features of Technical Communication Section */

Talk:Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-13T04:57:38Z

HRoney: /* Paragraph Blocks */

User:HRoney

2023-11-07T22:42:36Z

HRoney:

Haley Roney is a student at Middle Georgia State University. She is pursuing her Master's degree in Professional and Technical Writing. She previously obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Mercer University. She enjoys playing video games and reading in her spare time. She can be reached at {{nospam|haley|haleyroney.com}}. Her website is<nowiki/>https://haleyroney.godaddysites.com/

[[Category:Fall 2023]]

Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-07T18:48:52Z

HRoney:

'''Technical Writing in the Digital Age''' represents the dynamic and evolving discipline of creating written materials that convey complex information, instructions, and technical concepts in the context of contemporary digital technologies.<ref name=":3">Markel, Mike, and Selber, Stuart. (2021). ''Technical Communication'' (13th ed). Boston/New York. Bedford/St. Martin's: 182-186. [https://openlibrary.org/books/OL36001026M/Technical_Communication ISBN: 978-1-319-30769-1]</ref> Its purview encompasses the creation, dissemination, and management of technical documents and content within an expansive digital landscape.

Major considerations within this domain revolve around adapting traditional principles of rhetoric to digital platforms, ensuring effective communication in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. Key factors include integrating multimedia elements, user-centered design principles, and ethical considerations like accessibility and inclusivity.<ref name=":1">Carroll, Brian, (2010). ''Writing for Digital Media.'' New York: Routledge. </ref> This discipline also extends to collaborative writing processes and version control systems, acknowledging the necessity of teamwork in producing accurate and up-to-date technical documentation. The use of multi-modality and the interfacing of multiple media platforms and sources also plays a role in digital technical writing.<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://grlucas.net/grl/CompFAQ/Digital_Writing/Multimodal_Approach
| title = multimodal-approaches-in-technical-writing
| last = Lucas
| first= Gerald-R
| date= September 19, 2023
| website = Gerald-R-Lucas
| publisher = ghost
| access-date =October 30, 2023
| ref = harv
}}</ref> In essence, technical writing in the digital age encapsulates the art and science of conveying technical information in a manner that is comprehensible and accessible to diverse audiences in our digitally-driven society. <ref>{{cite web
| url = https://grlucas.net/grl/CompFAQ/Technical_Writing
| title = Defining Technical Writing
| last = Lucas
| first= Gerald-R
| date= September 14, 2023
| website = Gerald-R-Lucas
| publisher = ghost
| access-date =November 7, 2023
| ref = harv
}}</ref>

==Overview==

===Types of Technical Communication===
Common types of technical communication include instructions, user guides, reports, proposals, memos, and procedures. <ref>{{cite book
| last1 = Lannon
| first1 = John
| last2 = Gurak
| first2 = Laura
| date = 2022
| title = Technical Communication
| edition = 15th
| publisher = Pearson Education Limited
| location = Essex, United Kingdom
| page = 30
| isbn = 1-292-36359-2
}}</ref>
<ref>Mussack, Brigitte. (2021). Introduction to Technical and Professional Communication: Technical Communication through a Social Justice Lens. Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial, 2021. n.p.</ref>
==Historical Context==
===Technical Writing Profession===
Joseph P. Chapline is considered to be one of the first technical writers, having written in 1949 the first ever user manual for the Binary Automatic Computer (BINAC), an early personal computer.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Malone |first=Ed |date=2008 |title=Joseph D. Chapline: Technical Communication's Mozart |url=https://web.mst.edu/~malonee/chapline.pdf |magazine=IEEE Professional Communication Society Newsletter |access-date=October 31, 2023 }}.</ref> In the 1950s, technical writing as a distinct profession began to take shape when technical writers founded formal organizations, academic programs, and conferences dedicated to the art. One of these key writing associations was the Association of Technical Writers and Editors, also formed in the 1950s. Several of these groups eventually merged, forming the Society of Technical Communication in 1960.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Edward |first1=Malone |date=November 2011 |title=The First Wave (1953–1961) of the Professionalization Movement in Technical Communication |url=https://www.stc.org/techcomm/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/08/november-2011-58-4.pdf |journal=Technical Communication |volume=58 |issue=4 |pages=285 - 306 |doi= |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref>

== Digital Technologies and Technical Writing==
With the rise of digital technology, technical writing has had to adapt to the needs of a digital era. However, many aspects of effective technical writing, such as remaining clear, concise, complete, and correct, still need to be applied to technical writing created for digital interfaces. <ref>Carroll, Brian. ''Writing for Digital Media''. Routledge. New York, 2010. p.24.</ref>

==Personas in Digital Writing==
Personas in the context of digital writing refer to semi-fictional characters that encapsulate the characteristics, behaviors, and needs of target audience segments.<ref>https://grlucas.net/grl/CompFAQ/Digital_Writing/Personas</ref>

==Rhetorical Strategies in the Digital Age==
Rhetoric is a communication strategy whose primary goal is to persuade an audience. It is grounded in three foundational concepts first defined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. These concepts are ''logos'', which engages with the reader’s sense of logic or reason; ''pathos'', which appeals to the reader’s emotions; and ''ethos'', which addresses the audience’s values and the writer’s credibility. Within this framework, writers utilize specific techniques or devices to influence and engage readers. Examples include appealing to an audience’s sense of logic by using factual examples to support a point or evoking emotion through descriptive visual language. <ref>{{cite book |last=Gagich |first=Melanie |title=Writing Arguments in Stem |publisher=Digital Commons |date=n.d. |chapter=Rhetorical Appeals: Logos, Pathos, and Ethos Defined |url=https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=oercoursematerials#page=44 |pages=34-37 }}</ref>

In today’s digital age, writers can use digital technologies as rhetorical devices to influence the reader. Electronic images and informational graphics can be incorporated into digital and online documents to illustrate or reinforce points made in the text.<ref name=":3" /> Hyperlinks can be used to provide additional information that supports the author's ideas. Nevertheless, the writer's basic task of informing and persuading an audience is the same in digital communication as in other forms of writing.<ref>{{cite book |last=Devos |first=Danielle |date=2010 |title=Because Digital Writing Matters: Improving Student Writing in Online and Multimedia Environments |location=San Francisco |publisher=Jossey-Bass |pages=105 |isbn=9780470892237 |url=https://openlibrary.org/books/OL34593323M/Because_Digital_Writing_Matters }}</ref>

Rhetorical analysis involves analyzing the demographics and habits of an intended audience. The information gathered allows writers to craft messages that appeal to the target audience. In the digital age, websites and social media platforms convey rhetorical messages. <ref>{{cite book
| last =Lawrence
| first =Dan
| date =2022
| title =Digital Writing
| location =Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| publisher =Broadview Press
| page = 6-14
| isbn =9781770488229
}}</ref>

==Online Documentation and User Experience ==

===Digital Documentation===
Digital documentation is the conversion of physical documents into digital files, enabling easier access, retrieval, and sharing of information. It includes features like searchability, version control, and security measures to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.<ref name=":2">Lucas, Gerald (September 1, 2023). “Exploring the Dichotomy: A Comparative Analysis of Digital and Paper Documents.” Retrieved Oct 29, 2023. https://grlucas.net/grl/CompFAQ/Digital_Writing/Documents</ref>

===Characteristics of Digital Documents===

====Accessibility====
Website content should be designed in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access the same information as those without disabilities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-intro/ |title=Introduction to Web Accessibility |author= |website=Web Accessibility Initiative |access-date=October 26, 2023 }}</ref> It is a legal requirement to include accessibility features in website design.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wcag.com/legal/ |title=Accessibility and the Web |author= |website=WCAG |access-date=October 26, 2023 }}</ref> There are four different types of impairment that can affect how a user interacts and perceives digital documents: vision, mobility, auditory, and cognitive.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=42}}Digital documents will need to be optimized so that information can be accessed by hardware and software tools used by people with disabilities.{{sfn|Barr|2010|p=103-104}}

====Readability====
Digital documents rely on the "Seven Cs" of precise writing to be effective and increase readability. Forms of technical writing must have readability. Readability is a term used to determine whether the content has clarity, conciseness and courtesy.<ref>Zeleznik, J. M., Burnett, R. E., & Benson, P. J. (1999). ''Technical Writing : What It Is and How to Do It''. National Book Network. p. 207.</ref> The other four Cs are coherent, concrete, correct and complete.<ref>Last, Suzan (2019). ''Technical Writing Essentials.'' Victoria, B.C. University of Victoria. ISBN: 9781550586657 https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/technicalwriting/chapter/communicatingprecision/</ref>

====Scannability====
A document's scannability is determined by the ease in which it can be scanned to determine meaning. The most effective web content is concise and simple to scan, making it easy for users to find the important information. Breaking up text into interesting, easy-to-read sections helps users quickly find information. {{sfn|Barr|2010|p=103}}

====Hyperlinking====
Hyperlinking is a quick and efficient method for directing readers to relevant information in digital documents, facilitating seamless navigation between sections, references, and external resources.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=79}}

===Examples of Digital Documents===
In technical and professional writing, digital documentation takes various forms. These methods streamline the sharing of technical information, enhance collaboration, and ensure easy accessibility within professional settings, contributing to efficient communication and knowledge dissemination.

====Infographics====
Infographics, shared as digital documents, typically combine text, graphics, and illustrations to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing format. Infographics are often used to simplify information, making it more accessible to a broader audience, and are found in presentations, reports, websites, and educational materials. <ref>{{cite book
| last1 = Lannon | first1 = John M.
| first2 = Laura J. | last2 = Gurak
| title = ''Technical Communication Fifteenth Edition''
| location = United States
| publisher = Pearson
| pages = 292–293
| date = 2020
| isbn = 978-0-13-520322-4}}</ref>

====Presentations====
Presentations created with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint PowerPoint] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Slides Google Slides] are vital for professional communication and knowledge sharing. They condense complex information into visually appealing slides for effective presentations by using photos, videos, graphics, charts, and graphs.
<ref>{{cite book
| last1 = Parkinson | first1 = Mike
| title = A Trainer’s Guide to PowerPoint: Best Practices for Master Presenters
| location = United States
| publisher = Association for Talent Development
| pages = Chapter 4. PowerPoint Tips, Tricks, and Secrets
| date = 2018}}</ref>

=== User Experience===
User experience is how a product works from the perspective of the user. Digital documents can be created with efficient user experiences by focusing on user-centered design and designing the document with the user in mind. <ref> {{cite book | last = Garrett | first = Jesse James | title = The Elements of User Experience: User-Centered Design for the Web and Beyond | publisher = New Riders | edition = 2nd | date = 2011 | location = Berkeley, CA | page = 17}} </ref>

==Collaboration and Version Control==

===Collaboration===
One form of collaborative technical writing is a wiki, which is a "Web site developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content."<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://grlucas.net/grl/Writing_on_a_Wiki
| title = writing on a wiki
| last = Lucas
| first= Gerald
| date= May 18, 2021
| website = Gerald-R-Lucas
| publisher = MediaWiki
| access-date =October 31, 2023
| quote = Web site developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content.
| ref = harv
}}</ref>

In fact, one of the predominant elements of a wiki is that it is defined by being open source. And as such, it can be modified by anyone.

===Version Control===
Version control is a characteristic of digital documents that allows for the tracking of edits and revisions to digital documents. In collaborative writing, version control helps maintain the document with accountability and transparency.<ref name=":2" />

==Ethical Considerations ==
Technical communicators have ethical standards to which they must abide. The standards are divided into three primary categories. They are the employer, the public, and the environment.<ref name=":0">Markel, Mike. ''Technical Communication''. 9th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, Boston, 2009. p.22-25.</ref>

Obligations to one's employer include competence and diligence, honesty and candor, confidentiality, and loyalty.<ref name=":0" /> The technical communicator must adhere to these obligations so that he/she does not harm the reputation or operation of the employer.

Organizations are obligated to treat customers fairly. Technical communicators must convey that the products or services an organization sells are safe and effective.<ref name=":0" />

Technical communicators may occasionally work for an organization with strict privacy policies that prohibit they from using the documents they create outside of the organization. It is important for ethical communicators to follow the privacy policy for their organization because unauthorized release of information could lead to consequences up to an including termination.<ref name=":4" />

Technical communicators have an obligation to the environment. This obligation includes alerting their supervisors, managers, and executive leadership to products or processes that are detrimental to the environment. Disposal of hazardous waste is far more costly than dumping it. Organizations could be tempted to skirt the legal procedures.<ref name=":0" /> One would hope that the penalty of 5 years and/or up to $50,000 per day for knowingly disposing of hazardous waste in a way contrary to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's regulations would be a sufficient deterrent.[https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/criminal-provisions-resource-conservation-and-recovery-act-rcra]

In technical workplaces, resolving ethical dilemmas will be a part of your job. Resources, time, and reputations are at stake, so you will feel pressure to overpromise, underdeliver, bend the rules, cook the numbers, or exaggerate results. Technical fields are also highly competitive, so people sometimes stretch a little further than they should. Ethical dilemmas can force you into situations in which all choices seem unsatisfactory<ref>Johnson-Sheehan, Richard. “Managing Ethical Challenges.” ''Technical Communication Today'', 6th ed., Pearson, Boston, MA, 2018, pp. 71–84.</ref>.

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world's oldest professional association dedicated to advancing the field of technical communication.<ref>“About STC.” ''Society for Technical Communication'', 19 May 2021, [https://www.stc.org/about-stc/ www.stc.org/about-stc/] Retrieved October 27, 2023.</ref> The STC promotes adherence to a list of ethical principles. They are legality, honesty, confidentiality, quality, fairness, and professionalism.<ref>“Ethical Principles.” ''Society for Technical Communication'', 20 May 2021, [https://www.stc.org/about-stc/ethical-principles/ www.stc.org/about-stc/ethical-principles/] Retrieved October 27, 2023.</ref>

Technical communicators also have to be careful to avoid plagiarism, or taking ideas, thoughts, or words from someone else and passing them off as ones own.<ref name=":5" />

=== Disinformation===
One major ethical concern in all forms of writing, but especially in digital writing, is the creation and spread of disinformation. Disinformation, often referred to as "[[w:Fake news|fake news]]," is information that is purposefully spread as false or misleading and is a sub-type of misinformation.<ref>Lawrence, Dan. (2022). ''Digital Writing: A Guide to Writing for Social Media and the Web.'' Broadview Press. </ref> Modern communication technologies allow for the spread of information to occur at a fast pace. Social media is one area where the spread of disinformation occurs regularly. Some social media sites, such as Facebook, have begun to flag certain articles posted on the site as being questionable in their representation of facts or occurrences. Despite the widespread understanding and use of disinformation available today, digital writers need to be aware of their intent and the audience's needs and wants from their digital communication.<ref>Lucas, Gerald. (September 13, 2023). "Audience-Centric Style in Digital Writing" in ''From Reading to Writing: A Composition FAQ Textbook.'' Retrieved October 22, 2023. https://grlucas.net/grl/CompFAQ/Digital_Writing/Style</ref> Ethical considerations regarding citing sources, cross-referencing information, and using primary sources are good practices for maintaining ethical standing and credibility as a digital writer.

To help mitigate the problem of disinformation, technical writers should utilize gatekeepers. These individuals verify the accuracy of the information before it is distributed to primary readers. This helps protect the author from any ethical and/or legal issues.<ref name=":4">"Ethics" Balzotti, Jon (2022). ''Technical Communication: A Design-Centric Approach''. New York. Routledge. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-003-00606-0</ref>

==Pedagogical Approaches==
Barriers to teaching technical communications include the speed at which digital tools evolve and the complexity of software. <ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hovde |first1=Marjorie |last2=Renguette |first2=Corinne |date=2017 |title=Technological Literacy: A Framework for Teaching Technical Communication Software Tools |journal=Technical Communication Quarterly |volume=26 |pages=395-411 |doi=10.1080/10572252.2017.1385998}}</ref>

Informal writing, such as some emailing, instant messaging, and texting, has crept into academic writing. In a study conducted by the Pew Internet & America Life Project, almost half of the respondents admitted to omitting proper punctuation and capitalization. Others even used emoticons. Colleges and universities now must focus on educating students on the different forms of written communication and when best to employ them.<ref name=":5">Carroll, Brian. ''Writing for Digital Media''. Routledge, New York, 2010. p. 280.</ref>

==Future Trends and Challenges==

===Challenges===
Among others, a prominent barrier to technical writers is the dependency on input information accuracy. Outdated, incorrect, or inconsistent data delays the publication, requires more reparative efforts, and decreases productivity. <ref>Common problems in technical writing and how to resolve them (componize.com)</ref> Also, Technical writers often have to contend with complex, outdated or unsuitable tools. This can make their job more difficult and time-consuming, and can lead to frustration and errors.<ref>[https://componize.com/common-problems-in-technical-writing-and-how-to-resolve-them/#:~:text=Technical%20writers%20often%20have%20to,longer%20supported%20by%20the%20vendor]</ref>

===Artificial Intelligence===
Artificial intelligence programs, utilizing natural language processing, are capable of producing technical writing and have advanced in recent years becoming more adept.<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/01/23/how-chatgpt-and-natural-language-technology-might-affect-your-job-if-you-are-a-computer-programmer/?sh=6d9acf79174b
| title = How ChatGPT And Natural Language Technology Might Affect Your Job If You Are A Computer Programmer
| last = Marr
| first= Bernard
| date= January 23, 2023
| website = Forbes
| publisher =
| access-date =October 31, 2023
}}</ref> One such program is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT ChatGPT], which uses machine learning to produce texts with human-like style and tone. <ref>{{cite web | url =https://uca.edu/cetal/chat-gpt/ | title =Chat GPT: What is it? | last = | first = | date = | website =University of Central Arkansas | publisher = | access-date =October 9, 2023 }}</ref> Another leader in this area, Contentbot, uses a WordPress plugin which gives blog writers ideas to enhance their posts which are shared via email. <ref>Siddiqui, Zafar (January 2022). "Will Best Artificial Intelligence Take Over any Technical Content Writer?" The Writing Cooperative. https://writingcooperative.com/intricacies-of-ai-tools-can-ai-tools-take-over-the-jobs-of-technical-writers-af36836f625c</ref>

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography ===
{{Refbegin|30em}} 
*{{cite book |last=Carroll |first=Brian |date=2010 |title=Writing for Digital Media |url= |location=New York |publisher=Routledge }}
*{{cite book |last=Barr |first=Chris |date=2010 |title=Yahoo! Style Guide |url= |location=New York |publisher=St. Martin's }}
*{{cite book |last=Robbins |first=Jennifer Niederst |date=2018 |title=Learning Web Design: A Beginner’s Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics (5th ed.) |url= |location=Sebastopol, CA |publisher= O’Reilly Media, Inc. }}
{{Refend}}

[[Category:Fall 2023]]
[[Category:ENGL 5106]]

Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-11-07T18:47:30Z

HRoney:

'''Technical Writing in the Digital Age''' represents the dynamic and evolving discipline of creating written materials that convey complex information, instructions, and technical concepts in the context of contemporary digital technologies.<ref name=":3">Markel, Mike, and Selber, Stuart. (2021). ''Technical Communication'' (13th ed). Boston/New York. Bedford/St. Martin's: 182-186. [https://openlibrary.org/books/OL36001026M/Technical_Communication ISBN: 978-1-319-30769-1]</ref> Its purview encompasses the creation, dissemination, and management of technical documents and content within an expansive digital landscape.

Major considerations within this domain revolve around adapting traditional principles of rhetoric to digital platforms, ensuring effective communication in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. Key factors include integrating multimedia elements, user-centered design principles, and ethical considerations like accessibility and inclusivity.<ref name=":1">Carroll, Brian, (2010). ''Writing for Digital Media.'' New York: Routledge. </ref> This discipline also extends to collaborative writing processes and version control systems, acknowledging the necessity of teamwork in producing accurate and up-to-date technical documentation. The use of multi-modality and the interfacing of multiple media platforms and sources also plays a role in digital technical writing.<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://grlucas.net/grl/CompFAQ/Digital_Writing/Multimodal_Approach
| title = multimodal-approaches-in-technical-writing
| last = Lucas
| first= Gerald-R
| date= September 19, 2023
| website = Gerald-R-Lucas
| publisher = ghost
| access-date =October 30, 2023
| ref = harv
}}</ref> In essence, technical writing in the digital age encapsulates the art and science of conveying technical information in a manner that is comprehensible and accessible to diverse audiences in our digitally-driven society. <ref>{{cite web
| url = https://grlucas.net/grl/CompFAQ/Technical_Writing
| title = Defining Technical Writing
| last = Lucas
| first= Gerald-R
| date= September 19, 2023
| website = Gerald-R-Lucas
| publisher = ghost
| access-date =November 7, 2023
| ref = harv
}}</ref>

==Overview==

===Types of Technical Communication===
Common types of technical communication include instructions, user guides, reports, proposals, memos, and procedures. <ref>{{cite book
| last1 = Lannon
| first1 = John
| last2 = Gurak
| first2 = Laura
| date = 2022
| title = Technical Communication
| edition = 15th
| publisher = Pearson Education Limited
| location = Essex, United Kingdom
| page = 30
| isbn = 1-292-36359-2
}}</ref>
<ref>Mussack, Brigitte. (2021). Introduction to Technical and Professional Communication: Technical Communication through a Social Justice Lens. Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial, 2021. n.p.</ref>
==Historical Context==
===Technical Writing Profession===
Joseph P. Chapline is considered to be one of the first technical writers, having written in 1949 the first ever user manual for the Binary Automatic Computer (BINAC), an early personal computer.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Malone |first=Ed |date=2008 |title=Joseph D. Chapline: Technical Communication's Mozart |url=https://web.mst.edu/~malonee/chapline.pdf |magazine=IEEE Professional Communication Society Newsletter |access-date=October 31, 2023 }}.</ref> In the 1950s, technical writing as a distinct profession began to take shape when technical writers founded formal organizations, academic programs, and conferences dedicated to the art. One of these key writing associations was the Association of Technical Writers and Editors, also formed in the 1950s. Several of these groups eventually merged, forming the Society of Technical Communication in 1960.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Edward |first1=Malone |date=November 2011 |title=The First Wave (1953–1961) of the Professionalization Movement in Technical Communication |url=https://www.stc.org/techcomm/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/08/november-2011-58-4.pdf |journal=Technical Communication |volume=58 |issue=4 |pages=285 - 306 |doi= |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref>

== Digital Technologies and Technical Writing==
With the rise of digital technology, technical writing has had to adapt to the needs of a digital era. However, many aspects of effective technical writing, such as remaining clear, concise, complete, and correct, still need to be applied to technical writing created for digital interfaces. <ref>Carroll, Brian. ''Writing for Digital Media''. Routledge. New York, 2010. p.24.</ref>

==Personas in Digital Writing==
Personas in the context of digital writing refer to semi-fictional characters that encapsulate the characteristics, behaviors, and needs of target audience segments.<ref>https://grlucas.net/grl/CompFAQ/Digital_Writing/Personas</ref>

==Rhetorical Strategies in the Digital Age==
Rhetoric is a communication strategy whose primary goal is to persuade an audience. It is grounded in three foundational concepts first defined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. These concepts are ''logos'', which engages with the reader’s sense of logic or reason; ''pathos'', which appeals to the reader’s emotions; and ''ethos'', which addresses the audience’s values and the writer’s credibility. Within this framework, writers utilize specific techniques or devices to influence and engage readers. Examples include appealing to an audience’s sense of logic by using factual examples to support a point or evoking emotion through descriptive visual language. <ref>{{cite book |last=Gagich |first=Melanie |title=Writing Arguments in Stem |publisher=Digital Commons |date=n.d. |chapter=Rhetorical Appeals: Logos, Pathos, and Ethos Defined |url=https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=oercoursematerials#page=44 |pages=34-37 }}</ref>

In today’s digital age, writers can use digital technologies as rhetorical devices to influence the reader. Electronic images and informational graphics can be incorporated into digital and online documents to illustrate or reinforce points made in the text.<ref name=":3" /> Hyperlinks can be used to provide additional information that supports the author's ideas. Nevertheless, the writer's basic task of informing and persuading an audience is the same in digital communication as in other forms of writing.<ref>{{cite book |last=Devos |first=Danielle |date=2010 |title=Because Digital Writing Matters: Improving Student Writing in Online and Multimedia Environments |location=San Francisco |publisher=Jossey-Bass |pages=105 |isbn=9780470892237 |url=https://openlibrary.org/books/OL34593323M/Because_Digital_Writing_Matters }}</ref>

Rhetorical analysis involves analyzing the demographics and habits of an intended audience. The information gathered allows writers to craft messages that appeal to the target audience. In the digital age, websites and social media platforms convey rhetorical messages. <ref>{{cite book
| last =Lawrence
| first =Dan
| date =2022
| title =Digital Writing
| location =Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| publisher =Broadview Press
| page = 6-14
| isbn =9781770488229
}}</ref>

==Online Documentation and User Experience ==

===Digital Documentation===
Digital documentation is the conversion of physical documents into digital files, enabling easier access, retrieval, and sharing of information. It includes features like searchability, version control, and security measures to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.<ref name=":2">Lucas, Gerald (September 1, 2023). “Exploring the Dichotomy: A Comparative Analysis of Digital and Paper Documents.” Retrieved Oct 29, 2023. https://grlucas.net/grl/CompFAQ/Digital_Writing/Documents</ref>

===Characteristics of Digital Documents===

====Accessibility====
Website content should be designed in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access the same information as those without disabilities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-intro/ |title=Introduction to Web Accessibility |author= |website=Web Accessibility Initiative |access-date=October 26, 2023 }}</ref> It is a legal requirement to include accessibility features in website design.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wcag.com/legal/ |title=Accessibility and the Web |author= |website=WCAG |access-date=October 26, 2023 }}</ref> There are four different types of impairment that can affect how a user interacts and perceives digital documents: vision, mobility, auditory, and cognitive.{{sfn|Robbins|2018|p=42}}Digital documents will need to be optimized so that information can be accessed by hardware and software tools used by people with disabilities.{{sfn|Barr|2010|p=103-104}}

====Readability====
Digital documents rely on the "Seven Cs" of precise writing to be effective and increase readability. Forms of technical writing must have readability. Readability is a term used to determine whether the content has clarity, conciseness and courtesy.<ref>Zeleznik, J. M., Burnett, R. E., & Benson, P. J. (1999). ''Technical Writing : What It Is and How to Do It''. National Book Network. p. 207.</ref> The other four Cs are coherent, concrete, correct and complete.<ref>Last, Suzan (2019). ''Technical Writing Essentials.'' Victoria, B.C. University of Victoria. ISBN: 9781550586657 https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/technicalwriting/chapter/communicatingprecision/</ref>

====Scannability====
A document's scannability is determined by the ease in which it can be scanned to determine meaning. The most effective web content is concise and simple to scan, making it easy for users to find the important information. Breaking up text into interesting, easy-to-read sections helps users quickly find information. {{sfn|Barr|2010|p=103}}

====Hyperlinking====
Hyperlinking is a quick and efficient method for directing readers to relevant information in digital documents, facilitating seamless navigation between sections, references, and external resources.{{sfn|Carroll|2010|p=79}}

===Examples of Digital Documents===
In technical and professional writing, digital documentation takes various forms. These methods streamline the sharing of technical information, enhance collaboration, and ensure easy accessibility within professional settings, contributing to efficient communication and knowledge dissemination.

====Infographics====
Infographics, shared as digital documents, typically combine text, graphics, and illustrations to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing format. Infographics are often used to simplify information, making it more accessible to a broader audience, and are found in presentations, reports, websites, and educational materials. <ref>{{cite book
| last1 = Lannon | first1 = John M.
| first2 = Laura J. | last2 = Gurak
| title = ''Technical Communication Fifteenth Edition''
| location = United States
| publisher = Pearson
| pages = 292–293
| date = 2020
| isbn = 978-0-13-520322-4}}</ref>

====Presentations====
Presentations created with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint PowerPoint] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Slides Google Slides] are vital for professional communication and knowledge sharing. They condense complex information into visually appealing slides for effective presentations by using photos, videos, graphics, charts, and graphs.
<ref>{{cite book
| last1 = Parkinson | first1 = Mike
| title = A Trainer’s Guide to PowerPoint: Best Practices for Master Presenters
| location = United States
| publisher = Association for Talent Development
| pages = Chapter 4. PowerPoint Tips, Tricks, and Secrets
| date = 2018}}</ref>

=== User Experience===
User experience is how a product works from the perspective of the user. Digital documents can be created with efficient user experiences by focusing on user-centered design and designing the document with the user in mind. <ref> {{cite book | last = Garrett | first = Jesse James | title = The Elements of User Experience: User-Centered Design for the Web and Beyond | publisher = New Riders | edition = 2nd | date = 2011 | location = Berkeley, CA | page = 17}} </ref>

==Collaboration and Version Control==

===Collaboration===
One form of collaborative technical writing is a wiki, which is a "Web site developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content."<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://grlucas.net/grl/Writing_on_a_Wiki
| title = writing on a wiki
| last = Lucas
| first= Gerald
| date= May 18, 2021
| website = Gerald-R-Lucas
| publisher = MediaWiki
| access-date =October 31, 2023
| quote = Web site developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content.
| ref = harv
}}</ref>

In fact, one of the predominant elements of a wiki is that it is defined by being open source. And as such, it can be modified by anyone.

===Version Control===
Version control is a characteristic of digital documents that allows for the tracking of edits and revisions to digital documents. In collaborative writing, version control helps maintain the document with accountability and transparency.<ref name=":2" />

==Ethical Considerations ==
Technical communicators have ethical standards to which they must abide. The standards are divided into three primary categories. They are the employer, the public, and the environment.<ref name=":0">Markel, Mike. ''Technical Communication''. 9th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, Boston, 2009. p.22-25.</ref>

Obligations to one's employer include competence and diligence, honesty and candor, confidentiality, and loyalty.<ref name=":0" /> The technical communicator must adhere to these obligations so that he/she does not harm the reputation or operation of the employer.

Organizations are obligated to treat customers fairly. Technical communicators must convey that the products or services an organization sells are safe and effective.<ref name=":0" />

Technical communicators may occasionally work for an organization with strict privacy policies that prohibit they from using the documents they create outside of the organization. It is important for ethical communicators to follow the privacy policy for their organization because unauthorized release of information could lead to consequences up to an including termination.<ref name=":4" />

Technical communicators have an obligation to the environment. This obligation includes alerting their supervisors, managers, and executive leadership to products or processes that are detrimental to the environment. Disposal of hazardous waste is far more costly than dumping it. Organizations could be tempted to skirt the legal procedures.<ref name=":0" /> One would hope that the penalty of 5 years and/or up to $50,000 per day for knowingly disposing of hazardous waste in a way contrary to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's regulations would be a sufficient deterrent.[https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/criminal-provisions-resource-conservation-and-recovery-act-rcra]

In technical workplaces, resolving ethical dilemmas will be a part of your job. Resources, time, and reputations are at stake, so you will feel pressure to overpromise, underdeliver, bend the rules, cook the numbers, or exaggerate results. Technical fields are also highly competitive, so people sometimes stretch a little further than they should. Ethical dilemmas can force you into situations in which all choices seem unsatisfactory<ref>Johnson-Sheehan, Richard. “Managing Ethical Challenges.” ''Technical Communication Today'', 6th ed., Pearson, Boston, MA, 2018, pp. 71–84.</ref>.

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world's oldest professional association dedicated to advancing the field of technical communication.<ref>“About STC.” ''Society for Technical Communication'', 19 May 2021, [https://www.stc.org/about-stc/ www.stc.org/about-stc/] Retrieved October 27, 2023.</ref> The STC promotes adherence to a list of ethical principles. They are legality, honesty, confidentiality, quality, fairness, and professionalism.<ref>“Ethical Principles.” ''Society for Technical Communication'', 20 May 2021, [https://www.stc.org/about-stc/ethical-principles/ www.stc.org/about-stc/ethical-principles/] Retrieved October 27, 2023.</ref>

Technical communicators also have to be careful to avoid plagiarism, or taking ideas, thoughts, or words from someone else and passing them off as ones own.<ref name=":5" />

=== Disinformation===
One major ethical concern in all forms of writing, but especially in digital writing, is the creation and spread of disinformation. Disinformation, often referred to as "[[w:Fake news|fake news]]," is information that is purposefully spread as false or misleading and is a sub-type of misinformation.<ref>Lawrence, Dan. (2022). ''Digital Writing: A Guide to Writing for Social Media and the Web.'' Broadview Press. </ref> Modern communication technologies allow for the spread of information to occur at a fast pace. Social media is one area where the spread of disinformation occurs regularly. Some social media sites, such as Facebook, have begun to flag certain articles posted on the site as being questionable in their representation of facts or occurrences. Despite the widespread understanding and use of disinformation available today, digital writers need to be aware of their intent and the audience's needs and wants from their digital communication.<ref>Lucas, Gerald. (September 13, 2023). "Audience-Centric Style in Digital Writing" in ''From Reading to Writing: A Composition FAQ Textbook.'' Retrieved October 22, 2023. https://grlucas.net/grl/CompFAQ/Digital_Writing/Style</ref> Ethical considerations regarding citing sources, cross-referencing information, and using primary sources are good practices for maintaining ethical standing and credibility as a digital writer.

To help mitigate the problem of disinformation, technical writers should utilize gatekeepers. These individuals verify the accuracy of the information before it is distributed to primary readers. This helps protect the author from any ethical and/or legal issues.<ref name=":4">"Ethics" Balzotti, Jon (2022). ''Technical Communication: A Design-Centric Approach''. New York. Routledge. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-003-00606-0</ref>

==Pedagogical Approaches==
Barriers to teaching technical communications include the speed at which digital tools evolve and the complexity of software. <ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hovde |first1=Marjorie |last2=Renguette |first2=Corinne |date=2017 |title=Technological Literacy: A Framework for Teaching Technical Communication Software Tools |journal=Technical Communication Quarterly |volume=26 |pages=395-411 |doi=10.1080/10572252.2017.1385998}}</ref>

Informal writing, such as some emailing, instant messaging, and texting, has crept into academic writing. In a study conducted by the Pew Internet & America Life Project, almost half of the respondents admitted to omitting proper punctuation and capitalization. Others even used emoticons. Colleges and universities now must focus on educating students on the different forms of written communication and when best to employ them.<ref name=":5">Carroll, Brian. ''Writing for Digital Media''. Routledge, New York, 2010. p. 280.</ref>

==Future Trends and Challenges==

===Challenges===
Among others, a prominent barrier to technical writers is the dependency on input information accuracy. Outdated, incorrect, or inconsistent data delays the publication, requires more reparative efforts, and decreases productivity. <ref>Common problems in technical writing and how to resolve them (componize.com)</ref> Also, Technical writers often have to contend with complex, outdated or unsuitable tools. This can make their job more difficult and time-consuming, and can lead to frustration and errors.<ref>[https://componize.com/common-problems-in-technical-writing-and-how-to-resolve-them/#:~:text=Technical%20writers%20often%20have%20to,longer%20supported%20by%20the%20vendor]</ref>

===Artificial Intelligence===
Artificial intelligence programs, utilizing natural language processing, are capable of producing technical writing and have advanced in recent years becoming more adept.<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/01/23/how-chatgpt-and-natural-language-technology-might-affect-your-job-if-you-are-a-computer-programmer/?sh=6d9acf79174b
| title = How ChatGPT And Natural Language Technology Might Affect Your Job If You Are A Computer Programmer
| last = Marr
| first= Bernard
| date= January 23, 2023
| website = Forbes
| publisher =
| access-date =October 31, 2023
}}</ref> One such program is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT ChatGPT], which uses machine learning to produce texts with human-like style and tone. <ref>{{cite web | url =https://uca.edu/cetal/chat-gpt/ | title =Chat GPT: What is it? | last = | first = | date = | website =University of Central Arkansas | publisher = | access-date =October 9, 2023 }}</ref> Another leader in this area, Contentbot, uses a WordPress plugin which gives blog writers ideas to enhance their posts which are shared via email. <ref>Siddiqui, Zafar (January 2022). "Will Best Artificial Intelligence Take Over any Technical Content Writer?" The Writing Cooperative. https://writingcooperative.com/intricacies-of-ai-tools-can-ai-tools-take-over-the-jobs-of-technical-writers-af36836f625c</ref>

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography ===
{{Refbegin|30em}} 
*{{cite book |last=Carroll |first=Brian |date=2010 |title=Writing for Digital Media |url= |location=New York |publisher=Routledge }}
*{{cite book |last=Barr |first=Chris |date=2010 |title=Yahoo! Style Guide |url= |location=New York |publisher=St. Martin's }}
*{{cite book |last=Robbins |first=Jennifer Niederst |date=2018 |title=Learning Web Design: A Beginner’s Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics (5th ed.) |url= |location=Sebastopol, CA |publisher= O’Reilly Media, Inc. }}
{{Refend}}

[[Category:Fall 2023]]
[[Category:ENGL 5106]]

Fight Club Chapter 6

2023-11-07T04:07:14Z

HRoney: Changed to a more NPOV

<nowiki>In</nowiki> Chapter 6 of Palahniuk's "Fight Club", the narrator discusses the rules and the origin of Fight Club. Throughout this chapter the idea of masculinity is present. It can be suggested that the narrator prides himself on being his own man, and not in any way like his rarely talked about father. "Fight club gets to be your reason for going to the gym and keeping your hair cut short and cutting your nails. The gyms you go to are crowded with guys trying to look like men, as if being a man means looking the way a sculptor or an art director says" (41-42). Fight club seemed to be somewhat therapeutic to the men that participated in it. Tyler Durden and the narrator are somewhat controversial in the eyes of a woman because of the way they act, speak, and carry themselves. It is evident that the narrator has genuine "gentlemen like" qualities, unlike Tyler Durden. Tyler Durden challenges the narrator's views and aspects on life by making him feel like what he is doing is not what a "man" would do. In different parts of the book, it seems as if Tyler Durden is the father-figure in the narrator's life. "A man is potent and virile because of his contribution to his progeny was greater than that of a woman" (Marafioti 250). The idea of being a man and masculinity is a dominant theme not only in chapter 6 of the novel, it is in fact dominant throughout the whole novel. "Manliness requires not just what we would now consider virile characteristics associated with the possession of a penis, but also and more specifically a man's visualization of that power through the procreation and generation of new life" (Marafioti 251). Going to fight club makes the men feel like men. "Most guys are at fight club because of something they're too scared to fight. After a few fights, you're afraid a lot less" (45). Fight club is where the men in the novel go to portray the manly side
of themselves amongst other men.

== Summary ==
The narrator has a black eye from fighting in Fight Club. He is supposed to be doing a presentation but his boss will not let him present because of his appearance. His boss and a consultant from Microsoft ask what happen to him, but he can’t talk about Fight Club. In this chapter we learn the rules of Fight Club, and we also learn the reason why the men fight in Fight Club. We also learn how the first Fight Club originated. It was discovered by the narrator and Tyler. We then find out that the men lack a father figure in their lives when they were younger boys, so they feel lost and without guidance in the world. “The reasons for man destruction behavior can be traced to his physical vulnerability and his innate subconscious feeling of insignificance” (Marshall 75). When a man grows up without a father it makes them feels unwanted. Men tend to think that it is their faults their father left in the beginning. It is a fact that “delinquents are more likely to come from father-absents home” (Lamb 28). This is why the narrator makes up Tyler. Tyler father never taught him how to succeed in life and he also did not teach Tyler any manners. Tyler knew what was right and what was wrong, but he had a care-free attitude about life. He did what he wanted and did not care if anybody got hurt in the process. Studies that are shown by “Roger and Long’s (1968) data also suggest that boys whose fathers are away for long periods of time have difficulties in their masculine development” (Lamb 494). Men tend to take on femine traits that they learn from their mother. The narrator shows evidence in the book when he talks about cleaning his condominium. To solve this problem they fight other men. Both Tyler and the narrator feel like self-destruction and not self-improvement is the only way to remove the pain that they are feeling and hopefully they will become better men. “Contemporary man has fulfilled his evolutionary purpose, but his obsession with destruction has become counterproductive to survival of human life on this planet” (Marshall 31). The men in Fight Club need to fight to feel alive.

== Notes ==

Black eye- Bruises from fighting in Fight Club.

Ellen, Walter, Norbet and Linda- consultant from Microsoft

Microsoft- A Computer Company

Fight Club- The club that Tyler and the narrator form for men to fight each other, so they feel like they are something in his life.

Mona Lisa- A painting by Leonardo da Vinci

1st Rule of Fight Club- Is you don’t talk about Fight Club.

2nd Rule of Fight Club- Is you don’t talk about Fight Club.

3rd Rule of Fight Club- Two men per fight.

4th Rule of Fight Club- One fight at a time.

5th Rule of Fight Club- No shoes/ No shirts.

6th Rule of Fight Club- Fight goes on as long as they have to.

7th Rule of Fight Club- If this is you first night at fight club, you have to fight.

Roundhouse- A punch

Marla Singer- The woman that stole his support group, and he falls in love with her.

== Study Guide Questions ==

1. Why do the men need Fight Club?

2. What is the profession of the narrator?

3. Why does the narrator have stitches in his mouth?

4. What are the rules of Fight Club?

5. Why did Tyler want the narrator to hit him?

6. Who was Tyler fighting when he was fighting in Fight Club?

== Works Cited ==

-Palahniuk, Chuck. Fight Club. New York, 1996.

-Marafioti, Martin. The Manly Masquerade: Masculinity, Paternity, and Castration in the Italian Renaissance. Baltimore,
2006.

-Marshall, Tim. ''Man's Greatest Fear The Final Phase of Human Evolution''. United States of America: Tim Marshall, 1995.

-Lamb, Michael E. ''The Role of The Father In Child Development''. Canada: A Wiley-Interscience Publication, 1981.

Twitter

2023-10-31T01:33:52Z

HRoney: NPOV

[[Web Based Digital Media for College Writing Students | Home Page]]

[[File:Twitter.gif|200px|thumb|right| Twitter's Official Logo<ref> MarketingSavant </ref>]]

Twitter can be considered an excellent example of [[Good Writing | good writing]] for the screen because of its use of brief and concise information. In addition to communicating with followers and gaining information about the changing world, Twitter allows its users to create a personal presence online. Twitter allows users to cater their account to their own personal interests. These interests could include anything from following a certain news source to following a favorite celebrity or author. A student looking to enter the career world can use the personalization aspect of Twitter to create a prominent online presence which will enhance his or her résumé.

Twitter cannot only provide more [[Contact | contact]] information when applying for a job, it also provides a platform to create a professional brand. By having a Twitter account, students who are searching for a career can add a personal aspect to their résumés. Additionally, Twitter's symbol, the hashtag, facilitates conversations for students looking to connect within the classroom as well as their field of work.

==Twitter==

Twitter is a social media site that allows users to send messages containing information in a brief and concise way. These messages are called tweets. As Michael Hyatt suggests, Twitter helps the user hone his or her writing skills<ref>MichaelHyatt</ref>. With only a space of 140 characters, a tweet can be an excellent example of what writing for digital media entails because it forces the user to write pointedly.

==Twitter Uses==

Tweeting allows users to access information quickly. A twitter feed, which defines as "a list of updates or tweets that are constantly being updated . . . and are usually arranged in chronological order" has become a source for information about friends, the weather, entertainment, and news (Doctor). By following sites such as USA today, Huffington Post, and The New York Times, a twitter user can stay updated on what is happening in the world.

Not only has twitter become an aggregator of news and information, it has also become a way for users to share and report their own news. Twitter allows users to participate<ref>The Twitter effect</ref> in breaking news stories. Both journalists and non-journalists are using twitter to report significant current events. As Matthew Ingram<ref>David Carr</ref> points out in his article we are all members of the media through the use of twitter.

==Twitter for Jobseekers==

Twitter has been called a micro-blogging site because it offers specific information about the user. Twitter can help jobseekers develop their own personal brand<ref>Amplify Your Personal Brand</ref> by allowing them to follow and interact with businesses or employers.

Over the past few years, employers have looked at potential employees’ presence on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter during the hiring process. Veronica Fielding<ref> Improving Your Job Search</ref>writes, “It's becoming more common for recruiters and hiring managers to value a candidate's presence on popular social networks, in addition to traditional qualifications such as a strong resume and interview skills.” Because social media sites provide more information for an employer to consider when hiring, it is important that a student searching for a future career utilize twitter professionally.

Listed below are some key points<ref>Improve Your Job Search</ref> to remember when creating a personal brand on twitter which include:
*To find Twitter users in your industry, check out directories such as ExecTweets, JustTweetIt, WeFollow and Twellow.

*If you have a [[Linked In|LinkedIn]] profile or online portfolio, include a link to it in the bio section of your Twitter profile so other people can easily learn more about you.

*To find job listings on Twitter, try using the Twitter search engine and typing in a desired job title, or follow an account that posts the latest jobs on Twitter. You can also find job listings by searching for the following hashtags: #jobseeker, #hiring or #jobs.

*Another way to find employment opportunities on Twitter is to follow job boards.

==The Hashtag==

[http://twitter.com Twitter] is known for its use of the [https://support.twitter.com/articles/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols# hashtag], used in order to categorize the user’s message or connect it to relative subjects. Hashtags become especially important in order for members of a group to post similar material to a thread that is connected by a common hashtag.

Communication then, becomes easier when an element such as subject hashtags are employed, making connections and visibility of posts easy among users. [http://tweetboard.com/alpha/ Conversation] among users can be considered an important aspect of Twitter. The hashtag then facilitates these conversations by linking users from all over the world with similar text subjects. Also, more unique hashtags narrow the focus of the message and allow for those who use the same subject words or phrases to connect.

[[File:Screen Shot 2012-11-28 at 9.38.59 AM.png|425px|thumb|left|Example of the use of hashtags in Writing for Digital Media. <ref>Twitter.com/TScrogg19</ref>]]

==Hashtags and Students==
For students attempting to enter the workforce, hashtags can help broaden their [https://twitter.com/CareerExposure career exposure] online. Using a hashtag to link to specific people, organizations, or relative career fields, the student will not only connect with these pages and people, but make their interests and desires to enter the field known.

Additionally, students who efficiently utilize hashtags will develop skills for the job force when brevity of communication is necessary. Communicating on Twitter requires that the student "get to the point" and employ the hashtag correctly to classify the post.

Regarding Writing for Digital Media, the use of hashtags is crucial to the connections of groups or like-minded students who wish to relay their thoughts to others. Because writing on Twitter must be brief, hashtags assist in quickly [http://twitter.pbworks.com/w/page/1779812/Hashtags “summing up”] what has been shared in the Tweet. Specifically, because of hashtags, the engagement within a [http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/2609 classroom] can be much more successful, as students communicate ideas for the course to their peers and professors.

Additional sites that are helpful to students include:
* [https://twitter.com/students Creative Resource on Twitter]
* [http://edudemic.com/2012/09/twitter-hashtags-now/ 300+ Educational Twitter Hashtags]
* [http://www.insidehighered.com/twitter_directory Twitter Directory for Higher Education] and
* [https://twitter.com/USATODAYcollege USA TODAY College on Twitter]

==Things to Know About Hashtags==

*Not all are created equal. Depending on who the student is attempting to appeal or connect to, [http://sproutsocial.com/insights/2011/08/twitter-hashtags/ some are better than others]
*According to Vanessa Doctor, there are several ways to make the hashtag [http://www.hashtags.org/platforms/twitter/how-to-get-your-hashtag-trending-on-twitter/ trend]
*It is possible to [http://www.tagofthetown.com/claim-your-tag.html claim] a hashtag, which reverts to a landing page, allowing for further branding of self
*As Twitter is always evolving, it is important to consider that the [http://tagdef.com/ definitions and abbreviations] of hashtags are also changing
*It is imperative to remember [http://www.hashtags.org/platforms/twitter/twitter-etiquette-101/ Twitter etiquette] and the basic [http://www.hashtags.org/platforms/twitter/what-characters-can-a-hashtag-include/ do's and don'ts of hashtags].

==External Links==
* [http://twitter.com Twitter]
* [http://michaelhyatt.com/12-reasons-to-start-twittering.html Writing skills]
* [http://www.hashtags.org/platforms/twitter/basic-twitter-terms-you-must-know/ Twitter feed definition]
* [http://gigaom.com/2011/08/25/the-twitter-effect-we-are-all-members-of-the-media-now/ Participation] in [http://gigaom.com/2012/09/14/david-carr-on-newspapers-twitter-and-citizen-journalism/ current events]
* [http://www.careercast.com/career-news/amplify-your-personal-brand-twitter Personal brand]
* [http://www.careercast.com/career-news/improve-your-job-search-social-networking Twitter creating stronger resumes]
* [https://support.twitter.com/articles/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols# What are Hashtags?]
* [http://twitter.pbworks.com/w/page/1779812/Hashtags Introduction]
* [https://twitter.com/CareerExposure Career Exposure]
* [https://http://tweetboard.com/alpha/ Twitter Conversation]
* [http://sproutsocial.com/insights/2011/08/twitter-hashtags/ How to Find the Best Twitter Hashtags]
* [http://www.hashtags.org/platforms/twitter/how-to-get-your-hashtag-trending-on-twitter/ How to Get Your Hashtag Trending]
* [http://www.tagofthetown.com/claim-your-tag.html Claim Your Hashtag]
* [http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/2609 Hashtags in the Classroom]
* [https://twitter.com/students Twitter Student Site]
* [http://edudemic.com/2012/09/twitter-hashtags-now/ Educational Student Hashtags]
* [http://www.insidehighered.com/twitter_directory Twitter Directory for Students]
* [https://twitter.com/USATODAYcollege USA TODAY College Twitter Site]
* [http://tagdef.com/ Definitions of Hashtags]
* [http://www.hashtags.org/platforms/twitter/twitter-etiquette-101/ Twitter Etiquette]
* [http://www.hashtags.org/platforms/twitter/what-characters-can-a-hashtag-include/ Hashtag Do's and Don'ts]

== Notes ==
<references />

==References==
# Couros, George. "Twitter Hashtags in the Classroom." ''GeorgeCourous.'' 20 Nov. 2011. Web. 6 Nov. 2012.
# Doctor, Vanessa. "Basic Twitter Terms You Must Know." ''Hashtags.org,'' 21 June 2012. Web. 5 Nov. 2012.
# ---. "How To Get Your Hashtag Trending On Twitter." ''Hashtags.org.'' 12 Nov. 2012. Web. 5 Nov. 2012.
# ---. "What Characters Can a Hashtag Include?" ''Hashtags.org.'' 12 June 2012. Web. 14 Nov. 2012.
# ---. "Twitter Etiquette 101." ''Hashtags.org.'' 19 June 2012. Web. 5 Nov. 2012.
# Fielding, Veronica. "Improve Your Job Search with Social Networking." ''CareerCast.'' Web. 5 Nov. 2012.
# Guiseppi, Meg. "Amplify Your Personal Brand with Twitter." ''CareerCast.'' Web. 5 Nov. 2012.
# Hines, Kristi. "How to Find the Best Twitter Hashtags." ''SproutSocial.'' Web. 18 Aug. 2011. Web. 5 Nov. 2012.
# Heuvel, Dana VanDen. "Your Guide to a Better Understanding of Twitter." "MarketingSavant." 28 Oct. 2011. Web. 28 Nov. 2012.
# Hyatt, Michael. "12 Reasons to Start Twittering." ''Intentional Leadership,'' 4 May 2008. Web. 5 Nov. 2012.
# Ingram, Matthew. "The Twitter effect: We are all members of the media now." ''Gigaom,'' 25 April 2011. Web. 5 Nov. 2012.
# ---. "David Carr on newspapers, Twitter and Citizen Journalism." ''Gigaom,'' 14 Sept. 2012. Web. 5 Nov. 2012.
# Messina, Chris. "Hashtags Introduction." ''pbsworks.'' Web. 6 Nov. 2012.
# Lepi, Katie. "300+ Educational Twitter Hashtags Being Used Right Now." "Edudemic." Web. 3 Dec. 2012.
# O'Brien, Derek. "Creative Resource." "Twitter." Web. 3 Dec. 2012.

St. Augustine

2023-10-31T01:19:25Z

HRoney: Changed to a more NPOV

== Aurelius Augustinus / St. Augustine of Hippo ==

Portalie, Eugene. "Life of St. Augustine of Hippo." ''The Catholic Encyclopedia''. ?: Robert Appleton Co. 1908.

[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02084a.htm St. Augustine] (354 - 430) was a Christian philosopher and the author of several books of "Confessions" (these books are now generally issued together as one text entitled ''The Confessions of St. Augustine'') and ''The City of God''. ''The Confessions'' are widely considered to be the first autobiographies in Western Literature. Also, he was born in Africa and his mother was St. Monica de Hippo. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monica_of_Hippo]His book was inspirational and influential for Christianity writers. His mother was raised Christian. There are various works of art portraying St. Augustine [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Augustine_of_Hippo.jpg]. For example in the Nuremberg Chronicle.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Nuremberg_chronicles_-_Augustine_%28CXXXVIr%29.jpg] Another example is the stain glass window by Louis Comfort Tiffany [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Tiffany_Window_of_St_Augustine_-_Lightner_Museum.jpg]

Allegory

2023-10-31T01:07:27Z

HRoney:

[[File:Allegory of Youth and Age, Warsaw Castle (50594044522).jpg|Allegory of Youth and Age|thumb]]

Allegory is the presentation of an abstract idea through more concrete means.{{sfn|Quinn|1999|p=31}} Traditional allegory is a narrative with at least two levels of meaning; the first is a surface story line, a complete, coherent, but basic [[plot]]. Underlying this plot is a second, deeper level of meaning, which may be religious, moral, political, personal, or [[satire|satiric]],{{sfn|Murfin|Ray|1997|p=21}} Allegory attempts to create interest both in the primary story with its [[character|characters]], events, and [[setting]], and in the ideas and significance the story conveys. To this end, [[personification]] is a common device in allegory; characters and places are often named after qualities or ideas the author wishes to represent.{{sfn|Beckson|Ganz|1989|p=10}} The characters, settings, and events can be fictitious or historical, but they are used to represent meanings independent of the action in the primary or “surface” story. Allegories do not need to be entire narratives, and non-allegorical narratives can contain allegorical characters or elements. Some critics consider allegory to be extended [[metaphor]], which says one thing but means another.{{sfn|Quinn|1999|p=32}}

It is important to note the difference between allegory and [[symbolism]]. Both attempt to suggest other levels of meaning by presenting abstract ideas through concrete images, but allegory makes a structure of ideas the controlling influence in the work. A symbol carries a natural relationship to the events of the story; in allegory, the surface story is often a thinly disguised courier for the secondary meaning.{{sfn|Murfin|Ray|1997|p=21}}{{sfn|Quinn|1999|p=31}}

Allegory is still used as a narrative device in literature today, in drama, poetry, prose, and even [[comics]] (Gary Trudeau’s ''Doonesbury'', for example). Allegory was most prominent in the Middle Ages, with dream vision and the morality play; other types of allegory common in history are the [[fable]], the [[parable]], and the [[exemplum]].

== External Links ==

* [[grl:December_23,_1999|Allegory]]
* [http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/allegory.html Allegory] from [http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/index.html Literary Terms].

== Citations ==
{{Reflist}}

== Works Cited ==
{{refbegin|indent=yes}}
* {{cite book |last1=Beckson |first1=Karl |last2=Ganz |first2=Arthur |date={{date|1989}} |title=Literary Terms: A Dictionary |url= |location=New York |publisher=Farrar, Straus and Giroux }}
* {{cite book |last1=Murfin |first1=Ross |last2=Ray |first2=Supryia M. |date={{date|1997}} |title=The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms |url= |location=Boston |publisher=Bedford Books |pages= |isbn= |author-link= }}
* {{cite book |last=Quinn |first=Edward |date={{date|1999}} |title=A Dictionary of Literary and Thematic Terms |url= |location=New York |publisher=Facts on File, Inc |pages= |isbn= |author-link= }}
{{refend}}

[[Category:Literary Terms]]

What is a “thesis statement”?

2023-10-31T00:51:42Z

HRoney: grammar

What is a “thesis statement”?

Thesis statement is your central idea or argument. It is what you as the writer use to inform readers of what the main focus of the essay is. It is a sentence or two at the end of your introduction that states your point of view or the argument you’re going to be making throughout the entire essay. It represents what you consider to be the most significant area of your research.
The thesis statement isn’t long and drawn out; it’s straight-forward and assertive. It is an argument that can be debated and should be narrow and specific, so that it is easy to manage and develop in to a complete and proper essay. It answers a [http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml]question that you or your readers may have about a topic.

A thesis statement is not a description, a question, a personal belief, nor is it a generalization. It represents the insight of your article and takes a stand rather than making generalizations or giving opinions.

As with any debate or argument, if you want to be “heard” you must offer a reason to listen. This makes the supporting paragraphs more vital in an essay. Therefore, a thesis statement is not only a means of establishing what the essay is about, but it is also an [http://www.uark.edu/campus-resources/qwrtcntr/resources/handouts/thesis.html]organizational tool in the developing of your essay. With a working thesis statement you can then decide what information to include and at which point to include the information.

Once you’ve established the topic of your essay and clearly stated it as such, begin using supporting details to elaborate on your thesis. However, if you find in you’re writing, your essay isn’t further elaborating on the thesis you’ve chosen or you're thesis is not being supported, revise to avoid falling short of the expectations readers have in reading your essay, as well as losing credibility. In doing so, you strengthen your essay and your thesis statement now offering better logic and detail. A successful essay has a well thought-out, clarified, precise thesis statement with evidence to support it; leaving no reader confused about what they’ve just read.

A few [http://tipsforresearchpapersandessays.blogspot.com/2008/12/thesis-statement-examples.html] examples

See [[What is a “thesis statement” and how do I write a strong one?]] for more information.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]

== Sources/External Links ==

* [http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/] — from Writing Center UNC
* [http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml] — from Indiana University
* [http://www.uark.edu/campus-resources/qwrtcntr/resources/handouts/thesis.html]-from University of Arkansas
* [http://tipsforresearchpapersandessays.blogspot.com/2008/12/thesis-statement-examples.html]Examples
* an Argument, Create, and Be Specific. "What is a thesis statement?." (2010). [http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0,11&q=what+is+a+thesis+statement]

Technical Writing in the Digital Age

2023-10-30T03:23:29Z

HRoney: added a citation

How does a “topic” differ from a “subject”?

2023-10-24T23:42:49Z

HRoney: Spellings

“Topic” is different from “subject” in that the latter represents a problem, concern, or detailed aspect of the former. For example, Hawthorne’s ''The Scarlet Letter'' is an excellent topic, but a poor subject since it is too broad. A strong subject would have a particular point to make about the topic by examining a particular aspect of the topic. Similarly, “Football” would be too broad a subject, but concentrating on a particular aspect of the game, like players’ preseason training, would be manageable and more specific, making for a stronger essay.

Think of a topic as general direction for the essay, while a subject is a more specific aspect of the topic. Generally, a topic will contain a subject and an assertion. For example, suppose you received this writing prompt from your professor:

: “A television show that should not be cancelled”

This topic contains a subject, “a television show,” and an assertion — or point of view — about the subject, “should not be cancelled.” While this topic offers a general subject and a direction you should take with that subject, you must narrow this topic further by selecting a specific T.V. show and several reasons that it should not be cancelled. Notice that you must further narrow the subject and assertion by selecting a specific show — only one show, since the prompt asks for a television show — and then taking a stance on that show using specific detail to support that stance. This detail will limit the range of your essay: the more specific your reasons, the more detailed your essay will be. The show and why the show shouldn’t be cancelled is up to you, the writer.

Both topic and subject should be evident in your title, introduction, and thesis statement. A strong essay never looses sight of its subject or topic.

=== Sample Topics ===

* A book written more than fifty years ago that has had a significant effect upon society
* An idea presented in modern times that has had harmful effects
* One movement, cause, or organization
* One game that is physically or intellectually challenging
* A film or television show that reflects current values
* A particular type of dishonesty that is generally tolerated
* Desirable behaviors that sports promote in participants or fans
* Particular appeals that advisors use to sell certain products
* A condition that has affected the structure of the family
* A person now living whose actions have significantly affected many people

----

[[Composition FAQ]] > Topic
[[Category:Composition|Topic]]

Web Based Digital Media for College Writing Students

2023-10-24T19:18:17Z

HRoney: /* Contact */

==Writing==
When writing for the digital media, the author is not just the writer, but also the publisher, the editor, the graphic designer, and the marketer. Therefore, when writing for the digital media, there are more mechanics that the author needs to consider than when writing for traditional publishing where usually the sole job of the author is to write. Issues that might usually be the concern of an editor or proofreader – [[Good Writing|good writing]], [[identification]], and [[expertise]] – must be the concern of the author.

===Good Writing===
When writing for any type of media, whether it be traditional print or online, there is generally a basic standard the writer must adhere to for attracting readers. In web based digital media, “good writing” typically has a higher standard than traditional print. Though the standard varies, the most important thing to keep in mind is to keep readers interested from the moment a potential reader clicks on the page.

===Identification===
When writing for digital media, identify the audience and consider who is reading what the writer is trying to say. An article aimed at college students will read much different from an article aimed at elementary students even if the same basic information is being conveyed. As a result, it is always best to focus on a small, targeted community when writing online.

===Expertise===
When writing for the screen, important aspects to consider include layout and content. These elements create expertise. The layout determines whether or not a potential reader stops and peruses the information displayed. Subheadings, links, and color scheme create the first impression. The writing, the author's informational expertise, is an afterthought.

==Layout==

Layout is the visual and technical aspect of web based writing. The site's [[Design|design]] must include high-quality [[Photos|images]]. Personal web pages and sites must also be [[Navigation and Usability| usable]] and include [[Contact|contact]] information that is accessible on each page. Not only does site layout include visual elements, it also involves the navigation bar used to travel through the website, the headers and footers used for [[Scanability|scanability]], and the references supplied by links and other [[Relevance and Support|relevant support]].

====[[Design|Design]]====
The design of a webpage layout is important when writing for the web. In digital writing, design pertains to the look of the website and arrangement of the [[Good Writing|text]], [[Photos|graphics]], and other objects that make up the site. A website's design must be consistent, [[Usability|usable]], and navigable.

====[[Photos|Photos]]====

[[File:Layout.gif|thumb|right|<ref> webitRabbit </ref>]]

Photos assist in providing information to the audience visually and attracting readers. Unprofessional or broken links to photos can result in loss of [[expertise|credibility]] for the site and site owner.
File formats in photos differ, typically falling into categories such as:
* GIF
* JPEG
* PNG
* BMP

====[[Contact]]====
Contact information should be included on every website because it suggests credibility and accountability. When including contact information in a website, navigation should always be considered. Students can include contact information by creating a page located on the main menu or at the bottom of each page. Contact information should incorporate:
*First and last name
*Email address
*Business telephone number
*Business address
If students are not willing to display their contact information, contact forms should be included. Students can also include links to their [[Twitter]], Facebook, [[Linked In|LinkedIn]], and/or [[Wordpress]].

====[[Usability|Usability]]====
Making content usable is important for a good webpage layout. Keeping the webpage scannable and redundant will help a user understand the points presented. By using links, search engines, and relevant sources, the writer adds to the overall usefulness.

====[[Scanability|Scanability]]====
Scanability is one of the key tools to online layout. "Web users scan content rather than reading word for word. Scanners need clues, signposts and highlights, so content should be shaped for scanning. "<ref> Carroll </ref> Tools for adding scanability to layout include:
* '''Headlines'''
**Subheads
* [[Help:Editing|Links]]
* ''Font''
** size
**color
* Image/Graphic

====[[Relevance and Support|Relevance and Support]]====
Relevant sources and links are essential for adding credibility to a webpage. Sources that are well-known or have high credibility can increase the professionalism of a webpage. Content uses three key topics that ensure a resourceful webpage:
*Dated Pages
*Outside Web Sources
*Relevant Content Links

==Digital and Social Media==

Digital and social media sites are changing the way that we interact with the world both professionally and personally. Students who can proficiently utilize socially based networks as well as other digital writing mediums have an edge in their future career endeavors. Ideally, student-based environments that employ good writing can communicate optimally online. Students who use [[Good writing | good web writing]] skills developed in college can take those learned skills and apply them to their career search. Because an online presence is becoming an employer's first impression of an applicant, it is essential to create an effective personal brand. Online résumés sites, social media sites, and blogging sites provide platforms that support professional presence, personality, and perspective.

====[[LinkedIn]]====
LinkedIn is a website geared toward professionals, and persons ready to enter the professional job market. Users can connect with other people in their respective industries, tout their skills, and find answers to their questions. LinkedIn gives users the opportunity to build a network, a very important aspect of careers in the digital age.

====[[VisualCV]]====
VisualCV is a free Internet-based platform that allows users to create online resumes . Students can customize a personal portfolio with their skills and qualifications and build a portable, professional online presence. VisualCV can be modified to showcase keyword pop-ups, audio, video, pictures and links, to network and share resume data securely within the VisualCV community.

====[[About Me]]====
About Me pages are the cover pages of the digital world. By using an About Me page, college students are able to keep all social media outlets in one place. It also allows for others to access all the users interests on one page. About Me pages can be designed by the user in order to better describe the person in his or her own way. As with all writing for the web the basics of [[usability]], [[scanability]], and [[design]] should be used.

====[[Twitter]]====
Twitter is an excellent example of [[Good Writing | good writing]] for the screen because of its use of brief and concise information. In addition to communicating with followers and gaining information about the changing world, twitter allows its users to create a personal presence online. Twitter not only provides more [[contact]] information when applying for a job, it also provides a platform to create a professional brand. By having a twitter account, students who are searching for a career can add a personal aspect to their résumés.

====[[Blogging | Wordpress/Blogger]]====
With online blogging sites such as WordPress and Blogger college students can easily publish their thoughts in a professional way. Blogs are a great way for students to practice their [[Good Writing|writing for the screen]]. The writing can be personal, but by publishing to a blogging the entires seem more professional. WordPress and Blogger are extremely easy to use with step by step set-up instructions. These online blogging sites are also very customizable with many backgrounds and templates to choose from.

==See Also==

*[http://litmuse.net/course/nmac/writing-for-digital-media-fall-2012 Writing for Digital Media]

*[http://mca.maconstate.edu/ The Department of Media, Culture, and the Arts]

*[http://www.maconstate.edu/ Macon State College]

== Notes ==
<references />

==References==

#Carrol, Brian. (2010). ''"[http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]"''. New York: Routledge. Retrieved 29 Oct 2012.
#webitRabbit. (2012). ''"[http://www.webitrabbit.com/id5.html Basic Website Layout]"''. Orange County, California:LLC. Image. Retrieved 26 Nov 2012.

[[Category:Composition]][[Category:New Media]]

Web Based Digital Media for College Writing Students

2023-10-24T19:16:11Z

HRoney: /* Good Writing */

==Writing==
When writing for the digital media, the author is not just the writer, but also the publisher, the editor, the graphic designer, and the marketer. Therefore, when writing for the digital media, there are more mechanics that the author needs to consider than when writing for traditional publishing where usually the sole job of the author is to write. Issues that might usually be the concern of an editor or proofreader – [[Good Writing|good writing]], [[identification]], and [[expertise]] – must be the concern of the author.

===Good Writing===
When writing for any type of media, whether it be traditional print or online, there is generally a basic standard the writer must adhere to for attracting readers. In web based digital media, “good writing” typically has a higher standard than traditional print. Though the standard varies, the most important thing to keep in mind is to keep readers interested from the moment a potential reader clicks on the page.

===Identification===
When writing for digital media, identify the audience and consider who is reading what the writer is trying to say. An article aimed at college students will read much different from an article aimed at elementary students even if the same basic information is being conveyed. As a result, it is always best to focus on a small, targeted community when writing online.

===Expertise===
When writing for the screen, important aspects to consider include layout and content. These elements create expertise. The layout determines whether or not a potential reader stops and peruses the information displayed. Subheadings, links, and color scheme create the first impression. The writing, the author's informational expertise, is an afterthought.

==Layout==

Layout is the visual and technical aspect of web based writing. The site's [[Design|design]] must include high-quality [[Photos|images]]. Personal web pages and sites must also be [[Navigation and Usability| usable]] and include [[Contact|contact]] information that is accessible on each page. Not only does site layout include visual elements, it also involves the navigation bar used to travel through the website, the headers and footers used for [[Scanability|scanability]], and the references supplied by links and other [[Relevance and Support|relevant support]].

====[[Design|Design]]====
The design of a webpage layout is important when writing for the web. In digital writing, design pertains to the look of the website and arrangement of the [[Good Writing|text]], [[Photos|graphics]], and other objects that make up the site. A website's design must be consistent, [[Usability|usable]], and navigable.

====[[Photos|Photos]]====

[[File:Layout.gif|thumb|right|<ref> webitRabbit </ref>]]

Photos assist in providing information to the audience visually and attracting readers. Unprofessional or broken links to photos can result in loss of [[expertise|credibility]] for the site and site owner.
File formats in photos differ, typically falling into categories such as:
* GIF
* JPEG
* PNG
* BMP

====[[Contact]]====
Contact information should be included on every website because it suggests credibility and accountability. When including contact information in a website, navigation should always be considered. Student's can include contact information by creating a page located on the main menu or at the bottom of each page. Contact information should incorporate:
*First and last name
*Email address
*Business telephone number
*Business address
If students are not willing to display their contact information, contact forms should be included. Students can also include links to their [[Twitter]], Facebook, [[Linked In]], and/or [[Wordpress]].

====[[Usability|Usability]]====
Making content usable is important for a good webpage layout. Keeping the webpage scannable and redundant will help a user understand the points presented. By using links, search engines, and relevant sources, the writer adds to the overall usefulness.

====[[Scanability|Scanability]]====
Scanability is one of the key tools to online layout. "Web users scan content rather than reading word for word. Scanners need clues, signposts and highlights, so content should be shaped for scanning. "<ref> Carroll </ref> Tools for adding scanability to layout include:
* '''Headlines'''
**Subheads
* [[Help:Editing|Links]]
* ''Font''
** size
**color
* Image/Graphic

====[[Relevance and Support|Relevance and Support]]====
Relevant sources and links are essential for adding credibility to a webpage. Sources that are well-known or have high credibility can increase the professionalism of a webpage. Content uses three key topics that ensure a resourceful webpage:
*Dated Pages
*Outside Web Sources
*Relevant Content Links

==Digital and Social Media==

Digital and social media sites are changing the way that we interact with the world both professionally and personally. Students who can proficiently utilize socially based networks as well as other digital writing mediums have an edge in their future career endeavors. Ideally, student-based environments that employ good writing can communicate optimally online. Students who use [[Good writing | good web writing]] skills developed in college can take those learned skills and apply them to their career search. Because an online presence is becoming an employer's first impression of an applicant, it is essential to create an effective personal brand. Online résumés sites, social media sites, and blogging sites provide platforms that support professional presence, personality, and perspective.

====[[LinkedIn]]====
LinkedIn is a website geared toward professionals, and persons ready to enter the professional job market. Users can connect with other people in their respective industries, tout their skills, and find answers to their questions. LinkedIn gives users the opportunity to build a network, a very important aspect of careers in the digital age.

====[[VisualCV]]====
VisualCV is a free Internet-based platform that allows users to create online resumes . Students can customize a personal portfolio with their skills and qualifications and build a portable, professional online presence. VisualCV can be modified to showcase keyword pop-ups, audio, video, pictures and links, to network and share resume data securely within the VisualCV community.

====[[About Me]]====
About Me pages are the cover pages of the digital world. By using an About Me page, college students are able to keep all social media outlets in one place. It also allows for others to access all the users interests on one page. About Me pages can be designed by the user in order to better describe the person in his or her own way. As with all writing for the web the basics of [[usability]], [[scanability]], and [[design]] should be used.

====[[Twitter]]====
Twitter is an excellent example of [[Good Writing | good writing]] for the screen because of its use of brief and concise information. In addition to communicating with followers and gaining information about the changing world, twitter allows its users to create a personal presence online. Twitter not only provides more [[contact]] information when applying for a job, it also provides a platform to create a professional brand. By having a twitter account, students who are searching for a career can add a personal aspect to their résumés.

====[[Blogging | Wordpress/Blogger]]====
With online blogging sites such as WordPress and Blogger college students can easily publish their thoughts in a professional way. Blogs are a great way for students to practice their [[Good Writing|writing for the screen]]. The writing can be personal, but by publishing to a blogging the entires seem more professional. WordPress and Blogger are extremely easy to use with step by step set-up instructions. These online blogging sites are also very customizable with many backgrounds and templates to choose from.

==See Also==

*[http://litmuse.net/course/nmac/writing-for-digital-media-fall-2012 Writing for Digital Media]

*[http://mca.maconstate.edu/ The Department of Media, Culture, and the Arts]

*[http://www.maconstate.edu/ Macon State College]

== Notes ==
<references />

==References==

#Carrol, Brian. (2010). ''"[http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]"''. New York: Routledge. Retrieved 29 Oct 2012.
#webitRabbit. (2012). ''"[http://www.webitrabbit.com/id5.html Basic Website Layout]"''. Orange County, California:LLC. Image. Retrieved 26 Nov 2012.

[[Category:Composition]][[Category:New Media]]

User:HRoney

2023-10-11T02:45:32Z

HRoney:

Haley Roney is a student at Middle Georgia State University. She is pursuing her Master's degree in Professional and Technical Writing. She previously obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Mercer University. She enjoys playing video games and reading in her spare time. She can be reached at haley@haleyroney.com. Her website is http://haleyroney.com/

User:HRoney

2023-10-11T02:44:39Z

HRoney: Added website

Haley Roney is a student at Middle Georgia State University. She is pursuing her Master's degree in Professional and Technical Writing. She previously obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Mercer University. She enjoys playing video games and reading in her spare time. She can be reached at haley@haleyroney.com. Her website is https://haleyroney.com

User:HRoney

2023-10-11T02:43:12Z

HRoney: Created page with "Haley Roney is a student at Middle Georgia State University. She is pursuing her Master's degree in Professional and Technical Writing. She previously obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Mercer University. She enjoys playing video games and reading in her spare time. She can be reached at haley@haleyroney.com"

ENGL 5106

2023-10-11T02:40:50Z

HRoney: /* Course Members */

{{Big|Welcome to the wiki page for ENGL 5106: Technical Writing in the Digital Age.}}

==Fall 2023==
The fall 2023 sections of ENGL 5106 (CRNs 82482 and 84154) will use LitWiki for their collaborative wiki project.

=== Course Information ===
* [[grl:ENGL 5106/Fall 2023|Syllabus]]

=== Course Members ===
After you get an account, you may add it below in alphabetical order. Next, be sure to write a short bio on your user page.
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
* {{u|Glucas|Dr. Lucas}}
* [[User:Amanda.Austin1|Amanda Austin]]
* [[User:Apjones428|Ashley Jones]]
* [[User:AWilliamson|Ashley Williamson]]
* [[User:APitts|Azizza Pitts]]
* [[User:bryanna.kerbuski|Bryanna Kerbuski]]
* [[User:Beth Kennedy|Beth Kennedy]]
* [[User:CEToledo|Claire Toledo]]
* [[User:Dsummerlin|Dannielle Summerlin]]
* [[User:Debbiebwolfe|Debbie Wolfe]]
* [[User:Elaine Streeter|Elaine Streeter]]
* [[User:Emmakd|Emily Darnell]]
* [[User:Ebyington3|Erin Byington]]
*[[User:HRoney|Haley Roney]]
* [[User:JCaruso|Jewel Caruso]]
* [[User:Jordanandrews2|Kynndra Watson]]
* [[User:Kamyers|Kimberely Myers]]
* [[User:Kleinberger|Kimberly Leinberger]]
* [[User:Mroma98|Mike Romano]]
* [[User:Natecole54|Nate Cole]]
* [[User:RDrummond|Randy Drummond]]
* [[User:RSchnars|Richard Schnarrs]]
* [[User:Terrell.harrell|Terrell Harrell]]

{{div col end}}

===Project===
* [[Technical Writing in the Digital Age]]

[[Category:ENGL 5106]]