The Future of Technical Writing: 2024 Trends and Predictions

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the demand for skilled technical writers is also on the rise. So far, we’ve gotten by fairly well by being talented writers with basic technical knowledge, and skills in content management systems and user experience. To really thrive in 2024, technical writers will need to possess an expanded set of skills to stand out in the competition. Here is our take on trends in technical writing for 2024, based on our experiences and tentacles into the next year. 

Data literacy

The ability to read, understand, create and communicate data as information.

Data has become an integral part of our digital language, and the ability to effectively integrate it into your technical document is non-negotiable. Being data literate will give technical writers a competitive edge in a data-driven world.

• Learn the fundamentals of some data analysis tools

• Be able to work with large datasets

• Have a basic understanding of statistical concepts

• Be able to interpret data visualizations

AI literacy

Basic understanding of AI technologies and their implications.

With the rise of AI technologies, understanding AI and machine learning basics will be invaluable for technical writers. They can automate the documentation process, making it faster and more efficient. They can also improve the quality of technical documentation by eliminating human errors, improving language and clarity.

If you don’t already have a fundamental understanding of AI and machine learning, this is the time. 

Basics of SEO in technical writing

If your technical content is online and public, it’s necessary to consider Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This allows your content to be discovered via a search engine's organic search results.

Considering the amount of content on the internet, and the billions of daily searches, SEO is necessary to help your technical content stand out.

Make sure you understand concepts like keywords, metadata, and search algorithms, as well as how to use them practically.

Visual communication

The use of visual elements to convey ideas and information.  

In an age of shrinking attention spans, effective visuals can augment your text and make your content more engaging. Different people like to be able to interact with the documentation, not just read it - and in different ways. They may want videos, images, and graphics, not just text. For instance, a video demonstration can be more effective than a lengthy text explanation. Skills such as graphic design, video editing, and creating animations will be highly valued.

Familiarize yourself with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Snagit. Stay updated on trends in visual communication.

Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity

Accessibility and inclusivity are important considerations in software documentation. 

Documentation should be accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Trends like voice-activated documentation, screen reader-friendly documentation, and inclusive language are making documentation more accessible. 

Staying updated with these trends allows you to create documentation that everyone can use, regardless of their abilities or background.

Self-promotion and social media engagement

Actively engaging with online communities to build a personal brand and network.

Online engagement isn't just for influencers; it's for technical writers, too. Self-promotion and community involvement will be necessary for career growth, especially in building a personal brand and networking.

• Start building a professional reputation

• Optimize your social media profiles

• Share your knowledge

• Engage in industry discussions

Our advice to you: Do an inventory of your current skills, and investigate how you would like your career to look in a few years. Based on that, decide which areas will be most important for you to learn more about. 

Written by: Karin Askeroth

Images by: Wix

So you're a tech doc slacker who wants to work efficiently - this is how

Work less, not harder. Researchers have confirmed that overworking is actually not very effective. Not only is it exhausting, but overworking yourself can backfire, burn you out and, ultimately, make you less productive. Many of us have a comfortable side of us, the slacker, that wants us to minimize what we do, and simplify how we do it.

Read all about how you can be be a tech doc slacker and still work efficiently.

The mindset of a slacker

• Budget and invest to work even less. Timebox and set clear goals, invest by networking, find key persons, and have the courage to wait for others to give the information needed.

• Ask questions early on. Rather than wait until the last minute to ask questions, ask as early as possible to raise awareness and interest. Delegate and let go of the stuff outside your control.

• Think as a successful Product owner. Schedule your weeks and days in advance. Set the goals for the week, estimate the time needed, and block this time. Keep your to-do list manageable, try to prioritize no more than five tasks to complete.

• Limit task switching and focus on one type of work at a time. Split between collaborative work and solo work, e.g., collaborative work between 9am and 2pm. Solo work happens before or after.

• Minimize blockers. Simplify the input feed by getting to know your information providers. Continuously evaluate your methods and look for shortcuts.

• Automate repetitive things, either by scripting, templating, or reusing

(e.g. automation of graphics creation, automation in Jira, and “Smart” tech writing using variables & profiling, re-use, branching etc).

• Focus on the high-level, set a baseline, set up the information flow, reviews, translation and publishing instead of hunting for detailed information.

• Copy with pride. Copy from already existing documentation or adapt to an existing process. Handle tech writing as others handle e.g. software development.

We are not perfect – and should not be aiming for it either. Find a good enough level, try to automate repetitive tasks, handle tech writing as others handle e.g. software development. Focus on the high-level, baseline, processes – and let others focus on details. Technical writing is not “rocket science” – copy with pride.

Our advice to you: Have a look at companies that have adapted their Technical writing in a successful way, e.g., https://docs.apptus.com/.

Written by: Johanna Hansen

Image & photo: Karin Askeroth & Christine Svedjemo

Is AI a threat to technical writers?

The digital landscape is evolving, and rapidly. We are navigating through the new digital landscape, feeling the uncertainty of what will happen to our field of expertise. Is technical writing immune to transformation? Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation, and other trends change, or even minimize the future of technical writing?

In a world where machines are increasingly intelligent, but in some cases still really dumb - how should technical writing adapt to this? Is AI in fact a threat to technical writers?

Will AI replace all need for technical writing? The potential is remarkable, that is true. AI could automate repetitive writing tasks, thereby freeing up technical writers to focus on more creative and complex tasks. For example, the Natural Language Generation (NLG), an AI technology, will most likely create comprehensive first drafts of manuals or guides, thereby simplifying the technical writing process.

As a comparison, let's have a look at translations. Our clients today either translate internally, use Google translate (or similar) or use a professional translation agency (with or without an enabled translation memory). Some clients want the job done quick and dirty, they will most likely be very interested in having AI writing the technical documentation as well. We as proud Tech writers tend to promote using a translation agency with a translation memory. It is an investment, but in the long run the quality and speed and cost of translation is the most beneficial. I see the same perspective when it comes to AI and Tech writing as well. Some clients will use the automated digital solutions, and fully trust the outcome to be good enough, and some clients will see the need to have an expert like us working with the documentation.

Of course, we as Tech writers should embrace the new possibilities, and adapt to them. Our task will be to review the output, use our common sense and knowledge of norms and standards to adapt the output. We also need to ensure that the output from e.g. Chat GPT is not using any misinformation, or using any protected corporate information. We need to be very aware of the quality of the data, can we trust where the data comes from, and can we trust the data itself? We also need to be very aware of how we share the data we are responsible for, and our clients data.

AI also has the potential to learn from user behavior and provide personalized content, tailoring information to the specific needs of the user. This way, technical documents can become more user-centric, increasing readability and comprehension.

Conclusion

The future of technical writing is exciting. As technical writers, we have the opportunity to redefine our roles and transform the way users interact with technical content.

Our advice to you: Be aware, follow the trends, try out the new possibilities. But use your common sense. The world will change, but the world will still need Tech writers.

Images: Wix

Written by: Johanna Hansen