For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about clear, accurate information. When I need information, I want to know exactly what it says. I don’t want to guess. If I am inserting Part A into Slot B, I do not want to refer back to the illustrations multiple times to figure it out. If a website button works one way on the home page, I expect it to work the same way on every page. If I’m reading information, I do not want to reread it to understand it. I want to do it one time. Technical writing allows me to create this clear, accurate information.

Writing—or communication—goes beyond the words. To create clear, effective communication, I must understand the rhetorical situation. That’s where research and analysis fit in. It gives me the best way to communicate with my audience to give them the most appropriate information.

Since communication goes beyond words on a page, visual elements are an important component of it. Effective document design is an integral part of technical writing. Integrating visual design principles augments and enhances technical communication.

As a technical writer, I’m only part of the equation. This is where my interest in user experience (UX) comes in. Understanding and applying UX principles helps improve technical writing by ensuring users’ experiences are as good as possible.

Since I’m interested in User Experience, I took a class titled “Online Writing Instruction: User Experience.” This class piqued my interest in online writing instruction because I can utilize my technical writing skills, enthusiasm for user experience, and interest in instruction.

Technical writers should be well-versed in their tools of the trade. Many tools and platforms exist; consequently, the ability to transfer knowledge across these tools and platforms enables me to quickly learn and use those I have not worked with yet.

One of my last classes delved into the current topic of artificial intelligence in writing. By exploring how AI is shifting digital writing, communication, and rhetorical practice, this class not only examined theoretical issues around AI but also provided opportunities to develop AI-assisted artifacts.

All in all, I love the challenge of producing this type of information. Everyone is different. I like knowing that I can help readers understand complicated materials regardless of their background. I invite you to check out my work.