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Technical Writing in the Digital Age: Difference between revisions
Technical Writing in the Digital Age (view source)
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===Characteristics of Digital Documents=== | ===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.<ref name=":1">Lucas, Gerald R. “Exploring the Dichotomy: A Comparative Analysis of Digital and Paper Documents” ''Technical Writing in the Digital Age: A Coursebook'' - Gerald R. Lucas, 1 Sept. 2023, grlucas.net/grl/CompFAQ/Digital_Writing/Documents.</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.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
====Accessibility ==== | ====Accessibility ==== | ||
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====Scannability==== | ====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}} | 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.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
====Hyperlinking==== | ====Hyperlinking==== | ||
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==== Remote Collaboration ==== | ==== 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. | 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.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
==== Environmental Impact ==== | |||
Digital documents have a smaller environmental footprint compared to paper documents, as they reduce the need for paper production, printing, and transportation.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
==== 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.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
==== 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.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
==== 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.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
==== 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.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
==Examples of Digital Documents== | ==Examples of Digital Documents== | ||