Technical Writers create clear, concise, and accurate documentation that makes complex information easy to understand for technical and non-technical audiences.
What does a Technical Writer do, typically?
Develops Documents
Technical writers create and maintain user manuals, installation guides, help documents, and FAQs for technical products, ensuring content is accurate, comprehensive, and accessible.
Manages Content
Technical Writers organize and manage existing documentation, ensuring all materials are up-to-date, version-controlled, and easily accessible to internal stakeholders and end-users.
Researches Technical Requirements
Technical Writers collaborate with product managers, engineers, and developers to gain an in-depth understanding of products and their technical requirements for documentation purposes.
A Technical Writer is not:
An Editor
Editors review and revise content for publication, focusing on improving the text’s clarity, accuracy, and quality. They may work with various types of content, including technical documents, novels, and articles. While Technical Writers create content, Editors refine and polish it, ensuring it meets publication standards and is free from errors.
A User Experience (UX) Writer
UX Writers specialize in crafting the textual content that users interact with in software applications and websites, such as button labels, menu items, and help messages. Their work focuses on enhancing user experience through clear and concise language. Unlike Technical Writers, UX Writers concentrate on microcopy that guides and enhances the user’s interaction with digital products.
Important Metrics for a Technical Writer
Technical Writers are commonly evaluated based on a mix of topics that assess the quality of their work and their efficiency in producing documentation. Simplified, standard metrics cover:
- Accuracy and Clarity of Documentation
- Timeliness and Project Management
- User Engagement and Feedback
- Compliance and Documentation Standards
