Technical Writing, a form of technical communication, is a style of formal writing and business communication, used in fields as diverse as computer hardware and software, chemistry, the aerospace industry, robotics, finance, consumer electronics, and biotechnology. Good technical writing clarifies technical jargon; that is, it presents useful information that is clear and easy to understand for the intended audience.
#29394
Improving the Usability of Programming Publications 
This paper summarizes the work of a study group on ways to improve the usability of publications that support programming products. Task orientation, an approach to providing, organizing, and packaging information, is covered, together with innovations to improve the usability of programming publications: ease-of-use education, measurement of user opinion, and incorporating usability into the publications development process.
Bethke, W.M., P.H. Dean, E. Ort Kaiser and F.H. Pessin. IBM Systems Journal (1981). Articles>Documentation>Writing>Technical Writing
#31178
Improving Your Technical Document Writing Skills
Discusses the general technical writing process.
Doddihal, Vinayak. EditSphere (2008). Articles>Documentation>Writing>Technical Writing
#20077
Incorporating Human-Computer Interface (HCI) Technology Into the Technical Writer’s Role
At last year’s STC corlference in Seattle, Dr. Donald Norman spoke about the technical writing community becoming an integral part qf the design/development team. The HCI certificate program qfered through Renesselaer Polytechnic Institute @PI,) provides information and teaches skills that enable the technical communicator to become a valuable part of that team. This paper discusses my experience incorporating what I learned in the HCI class on a work project.
Oakley, Joanne. STC Proceedings (1997). Articles>Education>Human Computer Interaction>Technical Writing
#21573
Indexing: A Step-By-Step Workshop
This workshop presents a step-by-step methodology for producing thorough, usable indexes for technical documents. The methodology consists of these four steps: 1) Creating entries based on the material; 2) Creating entries based on users' questions; 3) Adding synonyms; and 4) Cross-referencing related entries. The workshop also includes hands-on exercises which illustrate the methodology and give participants a chance to practice using it.
Hash, Christine Milligan. STC Proceedings (1994). Articles>Indexing>Technical Writing
#26063
Information Architecture Concepts for the Technical Writer
Information Architecture (IA) as a discipline practiced by professionals in the information processing and development industry has many definitions and levels of understanding.
Gummaraju, Anupama. Indus (2005). Articles>Information Design>Writing>Technical Writing
#20701
On-demand printing, easy low-cost Web storefronts, and simple payment processing provide unprecedented methods and opportunities for technical writers to produce small, focused documentation for specific audiences. Seemingly all that is missing is the motivation.
Meyer, Gordon R. Usable Help (2003). Careers>Information Design>Writing>Technical Writing
#31697
Technical Communication is a broad term which includes technical writing, instructional designing, graphics, website designing or any form of communication which helps in communicating the technical information in a simpler way to the targeted user. This also includes audio tapes, video films and micro clips.
Malik, Suman Lata. Tripod.com (2007). Resources>TC>Writing>Technical Writing
#29656
Instructions for Giving Instructions: Creating Effective Documentation
Increasingly technical communicators are being asked not only to write documentation and instructions, but to also teach subject matter experts how to write their own process explanations. While writing good documentation is an art, there are also formulas and templates that help guide effective process explanation. Whether instructions appear in written, verbal or digital formats, they should all observe basic conventions for graphics, layout, content organization, overviews, development of ideas, ample warnings and cautions, trouble shooting and tool lists.
Stern, Caroline M. STC Proceedings (2005). Articles>Documentation>Writing>Technical Writing
#19771
Instructor Guide for Rules for Writers 
A resource guide for instructors who use Diana Hacker's Rules for Writers.
Hacker, Diana. Bedford-St. Martin's. Resources>Education>Writing>Technical Writing
#23314
An Instructor Internship In Technical Writing
We cause ourselves problems by not knowing what our counterparts in industry are doing. In my case, I taught the textbook in my first business and technical writing courses at Indiana University East, Richmond.
Driggers, Stephen. ADE Bulletin (1986). Articles>Education>Writing>Technical Writing
#19772
Instructor's Guide for A Writer's Reference
A resource guide for instructors who use Diana Hacker's A Writer's Reference.
Bedford-St. Martin's. Resources>Education>Writing>Technical Writing
#19770
Instructor's Guide for The Bedford Handbook
An electronic edition of the best-selling handbook by Diana Hacker, The Electronic Bedford Handbook 6.0 combines the comprehensive coverage and class-tested reference features of the text with the cutting-edge convenience of an e-book, resulting in an interactive e-handbook that serves both as a guide to research and writing and as a reference for the electronic age.
Hacker, Diana. Bedford-St. Martin's. Resources>Education>TC>Technical Writing
#18462
Internet Resources for Business and Technical Writers
A collection of links to academic technical writing websites.
University of Illinois. Resources>Directories>Technical Writing>Business Communication
#14006
Introducción a la Escritura Técnica y Científica
Este curso presenta algunas estrategias generales básicas para la redacción de informes técnicos, tesis, comunicaciones a conferencias y artículos en revistas científicas. El curso está destinado a investigadores en ciencias básicas y aplicadas, estudiantes en las mismas áreas, e ingenieros y otros profesionales de orientación técnica.
Braslavsky, Julio H. Universidad Nacional de Quilmes. (Spanish) Academic>Courses>Scientific Communication>Technical Writing
#21697
An Introduction to API Documentation 
This session will help you to: identify relevant source of information; extract information from the source; create effective API documentation; create context-sensitive help for DLLs (Dynamic Link Library).
Dubey, Akash. STC India (2003). Articles>Documentation>SDK>Technical Writing
#14905
Introduction to Technical Communication
English 2309-Technical Communication-is an introductory course to the kinds of documents produced and used in business, industry, and technology. The assignments and the way they are evaluated reflect different audiences and purposes than those normally addressed in English 1301 & 1302. However, you should be reasonably proficient in the writing skills normally acquired in these two courses. We are a community of writers from various disciplines sharing our work and insights about writing with one another. This course is designed to create an environment in which you can develop and exhibit professional work habits. These habits include meeting deadlines, satisfying all assignment criteria, and attending class on a regular basis.
Chandler, John and Dean Fontenot. Texas Tech University (1995). Academic>Courses>Undergraduate>Technical Writing
#27490
Introduction to Technical Writing
An introduction to technical writing, with outlined notes about writing clearly.
Gallagher, Karin. rpbourret.com (2000). Academic>Course Materials>Writing>Technical Writing
#20377
Introduction to Technical Writing
Technical Writing is not a grammar class but an applied writing course in which you will learn to: write clearly, concisely, and accurately for intended readers; apply good writing skills to technical documents; write various technical documents common in business and industry; write as a member of a team; and use word processing, electronic mail, and graphics software applications on a personal computer.
Lippincott, Gail. University of North Texas (2003). Academic>Courses>Undergraduate>Technical Writing
#24363
An Introduction to the Internet for Technical Writers
In spite of all the news and excitement about the Internet, there are still millions of people who are not using it, including many STC members. Email and the ability to do Internet research are now required tools for technical writers. But where do you start when you want to “surf the Net”? What hardware do you need? How do you select an access route to the cyberspace? Once you’re on-line, where do you go? Here are some of the answers. Warning: the Internet changes rapidly. Some of these answers may not be valid by the time you are ready to go on-line.
Lenzo, Thomas J. STC Proceedings (1998). Articles>Internet>Writing>Technical Writing
#19617
Introduction to Writing Software Documentation
Documentation is a vital but often unappreciated part of almost every software product. Most software documentation is written by technical writers, employees who specialize in the field. People not in the field often fail to appreciate just how complex the process of writing documentation really is and how dependent it is on developers and other software professionals. There's also a lot of confusion out there about just what technical writing encompasses.
Karin, Janice. Suite101. Articles>Documentation>Writing>Technical Writing
#18984
Introduction to XML for Technical Writers
XML is still the hot technology for technical writing. New XML tools are being delivered at a fast pace Every day, there are new XML initiative being announced. But when you try to learn about this exciting new technology, when you review the many books that are appearing on shelves, or sites popping up on the Web, you'll find that the information that is available is mostly aimed at developers. This session focuses on the value that it brings to technical writers and their users, and will include code samples.
Manning, Steve. STC Proceedings (2002). Design>Web Design>XML>Technical Writing
#31847
Is Lone Writing Becoming a Team Sport?
Larbi discusses the transition—including advantages—that many lone writers face as globalization becomes more prevalent and individual consultants transform into lone writer teams.
Larbi, Nancy E. Intercom (2008). Articles>Writing>Technical Writing>Collaboration
#22440
Is Technical Writing a Viable Career Option?
Ever thought about what goes into creating the user manuals or instruction brochures of your music system, mobile phones or even the car maintenance guides? Most of us just manage to glance through the item, leave alone going into the technical details.
Jasrotia, Punita. IT People (2002). Careers>Writing>Technical Writing
#28766
Is Technical Writing Boring? Tech Writers as Information Architects
Is technical writing boring? We discuss a post that spawned a lot of comments and exchanges. We also talk about an article on information architecture in the Tech Comm journal.
Johnson, Tom H. and Heidi Hansen. Tech Writer Voices (2007). Articles>Writing>Technical Writing>Podcasts
#28958
Pith and Vinegar: Is Technical Writing Your Calling?
An essay exploring whether technical writing is a 'calling.'
Harvey, Michael. Carolina Communique (2007). Articles>Writing>Technical Writing>Community
