What do technical writers actually do?
Let’s start by defining technical documentation. Technical documentation provides users with clear and precise instructions, making it easier to use, comprehend, operate, and maintain a product. A technical writer is the person who crafts this technical documentation. The key task for a technical writer is to communicate complex information in an understandable manner that is suitable for the audience.
How can AI assist a technical writer?
AI has the potential to enhance many aspects of technical writing – but it cannot replace human expertise and judgement. Here are some areas where AI can assist technical writers.
Information seeking
Technical writers have to understand the subject matter themselves first if they want to communicate complex information effectively. AI can assist by providing an overview, presenting key knowledge within the field, and identifying any specific terminology. However, human insight and research are still invaluable for understanding new or intricate topics. A combination of AI and strong research skills yields the most precise and efficient documentation.
Drafting content
When a technical writer has gathered knowledge in the field they are writing for, they can begin writing the text. AI can kickstart the writing process by generating a draft of your text or proposing edits on content that has already been written. This means technical writers can spend less time writing from scratch and instead focus on editing, adapting, and quality assurance. A technical writer can thereby deliver technical documentation more swiftly. Quick turn-arounds are crucial when products evolve – since the technical documentation must evolve too.
Enhancing efficiency
Working on technical documentation involves many repetitive tasks. This is where AI can help by automating these tasks and saving you time and resources. For instance, AI can help technical writers, identify content that can be reused. It can also assist with information searches and content generation. Utilising AI allows technical writers to work more efficiently, helping you focus on more complex tasks.
Consistent language use and following style guides
AI models can be trained to recognise and emulate a specific tone of voice or terminology that matches the company’s style guide. This ensures a uniform user experience across documentation – even when many individuals are involved in the writing process. Additionally, AI can help maintain stylistic consistency and reduce variation in language use.
Quality assurance
AI can be employed for quality assurance by checking grammar and potential spelling mistakes. It can also provide feedback on structure and relevance. AI can also help you ensure that the same specific terms are used consistently throughout your text.
Conclusion
AI cannot independently create technical documentation – but it can become a valuable ally for technical writers. By combining AI’s efficiency with human expertise, you can achieve both high-quality and swift documentation delivery. The future of technical communication is not AI instead of humans, but AI together with humans.
TCTrainNet Training via World Translation
Want to enhance your skills as a technical communicator? At World Translation, we offer TCTrainNet – an international Training for technical writers. Read more here.