Technical Writing in the Digital Age: Difference between revisions

(→‎Technical Documents: Added entry for Documentation and moved Instructions and Procedures under it)
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==== Documentation ====
==== 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:
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 a step-by-step process. Examples include how to download software or assemble a product.
* Instructions: Text that describes how to complete a task, often offering numbered steps. Examples include how to download software or assemble a product.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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}}  
* 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 ====
==== Email ====