Let's Tech Communicate

April

Luke Pivac shares the latest trends in technical communication from around the world.

In this issue, we ask whether the new Apple Watch can be used in technical communication? Why does responsive design makes sense? What's the future of technical writing (in one page)? We also look at the importance of structured content for users and see how we can learn to write at 225 words per minute using chorded writing. This and a whole lot more from around the Net!

Out of this world

Here are 6 Reasons Why Responsive Design Makes sense as the Future of e-Learning and m-Learning Design. RJ Jacquez explores the challenges of accessing learning material on multiple devices. We no longer have control over which devices learners want to use. There is a need for learning to be designed in an intelligent, flexible and fluid way - so users can learn on any device from anywhere in the world.

Joshua Lifton explains chorded speed writing in his video presentation of the crowd-sourced Plover stenosaurus – although anyone who can think at 225 words per minute is truly - out of this world!

In another out of this world article, Ellis Pratt asks how on earth could the Apple Watch be used in technical communication? He believes that it is unlikely that we’ll be using it to create written content, but does believe that it could be a useful alternative to Google glasses.

Finally, here is the future of technical writing on just one page.

Insights

In this section, we share opinions from highly regarded experts in the field of technical communication. First up, Larry Kunz asks you all what one thing isn’t Tech Comm doing? This is a great chance to reflect on our profession and have your say!

Tom Johnson discusses the changing paradigms for how we deliver help and the challenges that come with it in his recent post How to create a help API. Mark Baker has responded in the comments, and an interesting discussion has ensued about where help should live, and where it should appear.

The aforementioned Mark has also written Users’ Advocate: Structured Content and the Needs of the User, which highlights the importance of structured content and how many writers feel when restricted with authoring constraints. The tension between those in favour of structure and those for creativity is eased by Mark's reminder that we should focus on… the user!

Bit of fun

We like to end on a light note… check out the 22 senses of technical communicators in this post about the art, science and philosophy of technical communication.

Look out for more fun, tips and tricks in the world of technical communication in next month’s edition. Goodbye for now!

Luke Pivac, TechCommNZ Committee member

This is Luke's last post (cue the bugler). We need a replacement web-comber for this column! Is it you? If so, please contact comms@tcanz.org.nz as soon as you can, then look forward to the adulation that comes with compiling this popular column.