Mapping the Field of Technical Writing
Updated 24 March 2007.
Further updated 10 April 2007.
Minor edits 6 May 2007.
Language skills
grammar
spelling
punctuation
editing
brevity
Plain English, jargon-busting
rhetorical techniques, persuasive writing
writing for an international audience
organising and managing translations
vocabulary
writing for an audience, reader empathy
Experience with different ‘genres’ (types of deliverable)
policies and procedures
tenders
marketing material
specification documents
manuals
reports
maintenance documentation
quick reference guides
training and support materials
on-line help
Analytical skills
coming to grips with complex concepts
extracting information from technical data
asking intelligent questions, interviewing subject-matter experts
searching for information
organising information
audience analysis
indexing, classification, categorising, structuring
end user/audience analysis
information analysis
information architecture/structure
People skills
interviewing and other (legal) methods of extracting information
cultural sensitivity
Tools
word-processing (Word, FrameMaker, Write, WordPerfect, LaTeX, etc)
on-line documentation tools (RoboHelp, etc)
web editing tools (Dreamweaver, FrontPage, HTML editors)
content management systems (AuthorIT, TeamSite, Vignette, Documentum, Zope)
screen capture and recording (HyperSnap, SnagIt, Captivate, Camtasia)
spreadsheets (Excel, Calc, etc)
presentation tools (PowerPoint, Impress, etc)
database tools (Access, etc)
desktop publishing (Publisher, InDesign, etc)
graphics editors (Illustrator, CorelDraw, Visio, PhotoShop, ……)
version management software (VSS, Subversion, etc)
video and film-making equipment/editors (FinalCut Pro, Adobe Premiere)
Graphics
familiarity with the basic concepts and methods of graphics software (including the distinction between vector-based and raster-based graphics)
knowledge of formats used for storing graphical data
Design skills
presenting information
visual layout
formatting
Document management, QA
version control
implementation of QA systems
use of version management software (see above)
user interface design and manipulation
Standards and Legal Requirements
familiarity with specific industry standards
implementation of standards
creating and using style guides
templates
Subject-specific knowledge
engineering background
IT concepts and terminology (programming, databases, networking, release management, ………)
financial concepts
medical concepts
Web design
basic concepts, use of Dreamweaver, FrontPage, etc
HTML
CSS
scripting (JavaScript, CGI scripting, ………)
advanced techniques (ASP, PHP, ………)
accessibility
heuristic analysis
Information management
content management
metadata
search algorithms
Training
devising exercises
e-learning
learning needs analysis
SCORM
adult learning concepts
assessments
Ancillary skills
business analysis
business processes, ITIL, Prince 2
software testing
programming
macros
documentation project management
financial
medical
indexing
interface design
user/usability testing
Publishing
knowledge of processes of printing (offset, bleeding, imposition, binding)