BS EN 16708-6:2020 is a technical standard that provides guidelines and requirements for writing easy-to-understand technical articles. It focuses on ensuring clarity, accessibility, and user-friendliness in technical communication.
Importance of Writing Easy-to-Understand Technical Articles
In today's fast-paced world, where information is abundant but often overwhelming, it is crucial to present technical content in a way that is easily comprehensible for readers of diverse backgrounds. Easy-to-understand technical articles benefit both professionals and non-experts by breaking down complex concepts into simple terms, facilitating knowledge transfer and promoting effective communication.
Guidelines for Writing Easy-to-Understand Technical Articles
1. Clear and Concise Language: Use plain language without jargon, acronyms, or technical terms whenever possible. If specialized terminology is necessary, provide clear explanations or definitions to ensure readers' understanding.
2. Structured Organization: Organize the content logically, using headings, subheadings, and bullet points to guide readers through the article. This helps readers quickly find the information they are looking for and enhances overall readability.
3. Visual Aids: Incorporate relevant visuals, such as diagrams, charts, or infographics, to supplement textual explanations. Visual aids can enhance comprehension, particularly for complex concepts that may be difficult to grasp solely through words.
4. Consider the Target Audience: Tailor the writing style and level of technicality to match the knowledge and expertise of the target audience. Adapt the content accordingly, avoiding unnecessary complexity or oversimplification.
5. Use Examples and Analogies: Introduce real-life examples or analogies to illustrate abstract or technical ideas. Relating complex concepts to familiar scenarios can improve understanding and engagement.
6. Review and Simplify: Continuously review and simplify the content by removing any redundant or repetitive information. Ensure that each sentence adds value and contributes to the main message of the article.
7. Test for Comprehension: Whenever possible, gather feedback from potential readers or engage users in usability testing. Their input can help identify areas that may still be unclear and allow for further improvements.
Conclusion
BS EN 16708-6:2020 provides valuable guidelines for creating easy-to-understand technical articles, promoting effective communication across diverse audiences. By applying these principles, writers can enhance the accessibility and user-friendliness of their technical content, improving knowledge transfer and enabling better understanding among readers.
Nina She