Let's Tech Communicate
October 2015
In this issue we find out some of the issues DITA can solve for businesses, take a look at everything science knows about reading on screen, get some tips of creating memorable business presentations, and find out how Tall Man lettering is making drugs safer. This and a whole lot more from around the Net.
Insights and trends
Are you thinking of making a case for implementing DITA in your organisation or want to know more about how it could help? Jacquie Samuels has outlined 8 content pain points implementing DITA solves just for you.
Annie Sneed’s evidence based article Everything Science Knows About Reading On Screens is an interesting read. Sneed talks about how our reading habits have changed over time due to technology.
Take a look at this cute infographic showing ideal length for online content. This has come from the internet psychologist (yes, that really is a job) Graham Jones. The information is stated as fact but there do not appear to be any links to any research however it’s still worth a look.
If you’re not already doing it, writing for mobile phones and tablets is probably in your future. Joe Welinski runs WritersUA (Writers (of) User Assistance) and surveys technical communicators on tools and salaries each year. This year he has run his first survey on writing user assistance for mobile devices asking two important questions - What is our role going forward in mobile and how can we prepare to take that on?
Bill Swallow’s recent article Structured authoring: breaking the WYSIWYG habit discusses the change in thinking technical communicators need to make when moving from ‘what you see is what you get’ (WYSIWYG), single-format authoring to structured, multi-format authoring (XML). For professional technical communicators not already experienced in publishing to multiple outputs from one authoring tool, you may want to take note of this growing trend.
Skills and Tools
Have you seen the recent release of Windows 10 and wonder what it’s like and whether you should upgrade? David Farbey’s first impressions of Windows 10 has provided his take on the new software.
Storytelling expert and neuroscientist Carmen Simon shared the secrets for creating memorable business presentations, tips on finding great images, and explained how to keep your audience on the edge of their seats.
Ever wondered what type of call-out is best to use on a screenshot? Ellis Pratt of Cherryleaf investigates. You might also be interested in Earnsy Liu’s recent evidenced-based article about screenshots.
The Health Quality and Safety Commission New Zealand has published a great, research-based article about using Tall Man lettering to safely name drugs.
The newbie tech communicator's toolbox
If you’re searching for a new position or looking for your first job as a technical communicator, Craig Cardimon offers a number of new and classic job hunting tips and tricks that you may find helpful.
TechWhirl has some free templates you might like - Content Quality Review Template, Document Review Checklist.
Alan Pringle believes that writing ability, technical aptitude, tool proficiency, and business sense are essential skills for technical communicators. See how that compares with the latest TechCommNZ survey on professionalism.