Person-first– or people-first– language (PFL) is the default language etiquette expected in technical communication when referring to varying members of the disability community. This prevalent language format surrounding the disability community is not only encouraged but required, as PFL is considered the most respectful and appropriate style for such a concept. Technical communicators specifically must remain up-to-date on developments in PFL so that their writing will remain academically correct and socially aware.
By definition, visual communication is the practice of graphically representing information to efficiently and effectively create or convey meaning. Technical communicators can enhance the usability and readability of their technical documents by utilizing visual elements.
Using Madcap Flare, technical writers benefit from a powerful authoring tool to optimize their documentation processes. It allows you to quickly create and publish user manuals, support portals and online help sites. Its single-source and topic-based architecture means you can easily produce content in different outputs, such as HTML5, PDF, and epub.
The process of researching, choosing, defining, and updating key terms in all relevant languages to a company is called “terminology management”. Get started with terminology management with this guide!
Technical writing within the Information Technology (IT) field is rapidly increasing. To build their credibility and IT experience, technical writers can acquire general and role specific IT certifications. This article discusses the different types of writing individuals may encounter, the importance of certifications, how to choose a certification, and some recommended certifications.
A subject matter expert is an essential resource for anyone wishing to translate specialized content. Even seasoned translators can find themselves in situations where the source text is too complex. No matter how much time they have spent studying the subject in depth, some words or phrases may still be ambiguous. This is especially the case for highly specialized translations, such as technical translations.
Cognitive biases are a great tool for technical communicators as this knowledge can help improve both design usability and user experience. This blog will provide information on how designers can use cognitive biases to better appeal to their audience.