Is AI a threat to technical writers?

Written by: Johanna Hansen

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

So you have writer's block - tips and tricks that might help

Written by: Christine Svedjemo

We’ve all been there. Some documentation needs to be produced and it’s been going well for a while, but suddenly your brain just doesn’t work anymore and your fingers just won’t type another word. You have writer’s block!

Our consultants Johanna Hansen and Christine Svedjemo have many years of experience writing all sorts of texts and know a bit on how to overcome a classic writer's block.

The reason for writer’s block is usually either that you don’t feel motivated, or that you have performance anxiety. Or maybe, you’re just exhausted. The worst thing you can do is keep trying and trying once you’ve noticed that you’re not getting anywhere. Here are our best tips and tricks on how to get rid of writer’s block.

• Try distancing yourself from the topic. It's okay if today's content isn't perfect; just create something that can be refined later. And who knows, when you take a second look at the content, it might not be as bad as you first thought.

• Have a cup of coffee and chat with a coworker.

• Go for a walk to get some oxygen to the brain and boost your creativity.

• Switch to another task that is completely different.

• Use an online motivational writing tool, for example https://writtenkitten.co/ or similar to hype yourself up.

• Go home! Do some exercise and have a good night’s sleep, this usually helps things fall into place until the next day.

• Do something that inspires you - read a book, listen to your favorite music, go for a bike ride to the sea or a forest.

• Write about your frustrations and difficulties unfiltered. Releasing stress might spark that creativity again!

Our advice to you: Try our tips and tricks out! In time, you’ll find what works best for you, and eventually you might even learn to use this advice to prevent writer’s block by taking the breaks you need from the start and create variation in your workday.

Source: unsplash