Technical writing is critical and prevalent across various industries. It is essential in applications ranging from consumer-facing instructions for furniture assembly to the most complex technology fields. Technical writers create concise documentation that effectively conveys complicated information to a specific audience. Competent technical writing ensures that users — whether consumers or quantum engineers — have clear instructions, research results, processes and procedures.
Acadecraft says technical writing is vital because it “fuels innovation and global communication.” According to the online content provider, “Safety and compliance owe much to the clarity of technical documents, ensuring industries meet regulatory standards and safeguard the well-being of consumers,” according to the online content provider.
In the Northern Kentucky University (NKU) online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Information Technology (IT) – General program, students learn the value of technical writing and how it supports professional communication.
How Is Technical Writing Used?
The term “technical writing” suggests that the practice relates strictly to IT and other computing fields. However, it is widely used to bridge the gap between highly complex concepts and end-user understanding.
For instance, depending on the space, technical writers play a pivotal role in the following ways:
- Manufacturing and engineering. They compile manuals and document processes, procedures, specifications and regulatory mandates to support efficient operations and ensure workplace safety.
- Healthcare and medical devices. They create medical manuals and documents that support regulatory compliance in patient advocacy and processes for using and maintaining medical devices.
- Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. They document research and product testing results, produce laboratory manuals for equipment use and maintenance, and comply with government and organizational regulations.
- Aerospace and defense. They document specifications, procedures and maintenance manuals for aircraft, missiles and other defense systems.
According to ClearVoice, technical writing is highly specialized, and writers develop industry-specific applications. Writers are often certified, published in industry journals and have extensive experience. ClearVoice states that highly qualified candidates possess “deep knowledge of a difficult niche” and can “make complex topics into digestible content for consumer or business audience.”
Technical writing news resource ClickHelp reports that the creation and growth of technology companies raised demand for technical writers with specialized knowledge in various technologies. The site adds that as “more digital products emerge on the market, technical content writing is in increasing demand, both by employers and users. This is the main factor influencing the development of technical writing. New digital products are created with the use of AI and machine learning, making it essential for skilled writers to stay updated with current trends…”
What Is Technical Writing in Information Technology?
Technical writing today is more important than ever, as IT companies rely on technical writers to create concise, clear content. For example, technical writers at Apple and Microsoft develop user-friendly instructions for consumers. Others document the processes and procedures for designing, developing and testing extraordinarily complex technology such as machine learning, artificial intelligence and biometric security.
Otherwise, virtually everything in the IT sector requires technical writing. Examples include:
- System documentation describes network architecture and components, hardware specifications and software configurations.
- Technical specifications provide details about requirements for hardware and software capabilities, compatibility and system requirements.
- Configuration and troubleshooting guides describe settings, parameters and options and step-by-step instructions for identifying and resolving common problems with them.
- Change management procedures record changes to IT infrastructure and include their purpose and impact.
- Knowledge base libraries for support teams and end-users that include documents covering solutions to common problems, FAQs and best practices.
Whether within the IT sector or any other enterprise that relies on complex operations, technical writing is fundamental to effective communication in organizations, ensuring the accurate and comprehensive exchange of ideas and information.
What Is the Best Way to Prepare for a Technical Writing Career?
Career statistics compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimate demand for technical writers will grow by 7% — faster than the average for all jobs — as employers predict adding nearly 5,000 annually through 2032.
NKU’s online B.S. in IT – General program curriculum prepares graduates with coursework on career-relevant topics, including cybersecurity, database design and network administration. The program, which includes technical writing in the syllabus, also prepares students for CompTIA A+ certification, demonstrating an understanding of IT roles that typically require technical writing skills.
According to Technical Writer HQ, “Tech writing is rewarding in terms of finance and career,” and “there’s no doubt that the technical writer job is a great career choice.”
Learn more about NKU’s online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – General program.
