Let's Tech Communicate! Latest trends in technical communication from around the world
July 2014
Luke Pivac talks about augmented reality, thought-enabled user assistance, the newbie tech communicator's toolbox, and more from around the Net.
Out of this world
The evolution of new products and the introduction of the cloud have ramped up new technological breakthroughs and challenges for technical communicators, from using Google Glass to the Responsive Thought Forecasting Matrix. It is an interesting time in the world of technical communication! Check out this article on Augmented Reality - The Virtual User Manual
Another out of this world moment- who would have guessed, thought-enabled user assistance? You can read more here: Doc to help unveils thought enabled user assistance.
For newbie technical communicators
If you're new to technical communication, embrace the importance of clear and concise communication. This article provides an overview of useful tips for new technical communicators: Toolbox for new technical communicators.
And here's another interesting article, in which Tom Johnson a technical writer from the US outlines the balance of technical skills and writing skills - two necessities in the tech writer's skill set: Writing skills vs. technical skills.
Also, you can read up on what Agile is all about, and how it involves the technical writer: see Agile technical writing basics for more information.
We explore ways of enhancing our skills, now and into the future. Here is an interesting article on how technical communicators can future proof their skills.
The following articles explore how technical communicators can provide ways of enhancing the user's ability to find the right content, suited to their needs, and ask what types of questions do users ask? Tom Johnson also explains why users can't find answers in help material.
Methods
In this issue, we explore the Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA). This method is not used much in New Zealand, however this article highlights its popularity abroad. See How does DITA change authoring.
Latest trends lists
The following links provide lists on the latest technical writing trends. It is fun to have a glimpse at some of the predictions. See Trends in technical communication - Scriptorium, and also Trends in technical communication - Webinar.
Finally, for a bit of a laugh...
How many technical writers does it take to change a lightbulb?
Watch this space for more fun, tips and tricks in the world of technical communication.
Luke Pivac, TechCommNZ Committee member