Technical communicators make sense of unfamiliar or complex information so that users can complete tasks, increase productivity, establish priorities, or make decisions. They are analytical thinkers with verbal skills and technical knowledge. The work often involves technology, both as a subject matter and as a means of production. Some of the products of information design are computer manuals and online help, web sites, and multimedia training as well as grant proposals, reports, business plans, patient education materials, study guides, journal articles, newsletters, and more. The work of a technical communicator is both interactive and individual.
Technical communicators are often part of product development teams.
They participate with engineers, managers, and marketing people in defining the goals and specifications for a product. This planning requires team meetings. As they develop the documentation that goes with the product, they may need to interview an engineer to get information. They may visit the work site of a representative user to see how that person completes tasks. This information helps them design materials that let people complete their tasks efficiently.