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Technical Documentation Training Courses From GBdirect

Courses offered in this topic are as indicated (* Open Public Course * Closed In-House Course)

Training Courses

Our technical documentation courses give you a solid grounding in the theoretical principles and present the latest and most efficient solutions as used in practice. Our flexible program of courses is designed for small groups, which enables us to focus specifically on your individual needs. We design our courses to broaden your individual skills set and avoid going over subjects that you already know or that are unnecessary.

If you want more than one of your employees to attend our courses, we can also offer you a program designed just for your company. In this case, we don't just offer our standard courses, but also tailor-made company and project-specific training. Please contact us for further information.

What Is Technical Documentation?

The term "technical documentation" refers to the process of developing product-related information for multiple purposes with different target users and readers in mind. Technical documentation gives information about technical products such as software programs, electronic equipment, and machinery, in electronic or print media. The aim of technical documentation is to describe a product clearly and, at the same time, to present the information in a way that suits user needs. Technical documentation familiarizes users with a product and helps them to use it successfully. Technical documentation is usually optimized for a known user group. Therefore, technical documentation accompanies a product throughout its lifecycle: from the product design to the product development through to product disposal.

A number of different types of documentation are now developed as standard practice:

Who Uses Technical Documentation?

Technical documentation is used mainly by product users; however, it is also needed by the manufacturers themselves in all company areas and departments that deal with the product users. As a result, technical documentation supports information exchange on many interfaces throughout the entire product lifecycle. Many experts need technical documentation, including software developers, product managers, sales representatives, vendors, customer technical service staff, system integrators, administrators, and engineers.

Technical documentation is needed:

Technical Documentation Promotes Customer Satisfaction

Professionally developed technical documentation adds value to a product and increases customer satisfaction because the user automatically associates the quality of the documentation with the quality of the product. For this reason, technical documentation is an integral part of a company's corporate identity and all the more reason to engage the services of professional documentation experts.

What Makes Good Technical Documentation?

Good technical documentation makes it easier for users to find information about a product and makes the product easier to use. Good technical documentation is also characterized by user-oriented content and design: that is, correct content and language (consistent terminology, a controlled language), a clear writing style, a logical structure, an attractive layout, as well as compliance with the relevant standards, guidelines, and legal requirements. One of the easiest ways to check the quality of technical documentation is by performing usability tests.

What Are the Advantages of Good Technical Documentation?

Good, up-to-date technical documentation reduces training requirements, supports customer service, and optimizes the management of internal information within a company. Furthermore, it guarantees the manufacturer legal protection. A professional operating manual gives the manufacturer effective protection against liability claims (product liability, equipment safety).

The advantages at a glance:

Who Writes Technical Documentation?

Technical documentation is an established academic discipline with its own course of studies and has evolved into a specialized service. Technical writers from various backgrounds and industries combine interdisciplinary expertise to make technical information accessible and user-friendly. They understand how to present textual and visual information to a target group, in a way appropriate for that particular medium by using specialized methods, linguistic and technical expertise, and highly developed didactic skills. Technical writers have knowledge in various fields, such as the natural sciences, the humanities, information technology, or engineering. They usually become qualified through an internship or a university or college qualification, although some technical writers come from completely unrelated fields.

Where Else Can Technical Documentation Be Applied?

The knowledge and skills gained through technical documentation can be applied in other areas of a company.

Complex documents require special structuring techniques that are mastered by professional authors. Structuring skills can be beneficial in other areas: from creating a large knowledge base through to analyzing, assessing, and optimizing business processes.

In the meantime, technical documentation increasingly requires that technical writers are versed in electronic data processing and publishing. Technical writers create user interfaces, program scripts and databases, and write complex programs. This means that the line between development and technical writing is blurred, but both areas can benefit from working together.

Publicly scheduled dates, locations, and prices

A schedule of dates for this subject is not currently available. Please call 0333 210 0140 or use our contact form to enquire about places and availability.