Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay and with it comes a paradigm shift in the traditional way of doing things. Speaking specifically of AI in the context of technical writing, I believe Technical Writers will thrive because and despite of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Of course, thriving as a technical writer is conditional on learning some new skills and adapting others to meet the new demands on content.
Here are some skills that will help us become effective technical communicators for the foreseeable future.
Knowing How AI Works
Learning the concepts of AI and understanding how algorithms that power it work will enable a technical writer to:
- documenting AI-based solutions
- designing and delivering both content and content delivery mechanisms that leverage the strengths of AI systems and compensate for the limitations.
- leveraging AI-based tools as enablers during the process of creating content.
- creating content that will be used to train and/or used as source data for AI systems.
Of particular interest to technical writers should be the interrelated disciplines of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision that seek to mimic human use of language and vision, as they directly deal with content.
Read more about Computer Vision at https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2019/04/08/7-amazing-examples-of-computer-and-machine-vision-in-practice/
Strengthen Information Architecture Skills
The efficiency and effectiveness of any AI-based content systems depends on the quality and organization of the underlying content. Here is where Information Architecture (IA) is important. Having strong IA skills will enable technical writers to create, organize and structure content such that AI systems can locate, access, and process relevant information quickly, easily, and accurately.
Upgrade HCI/UX Skills
With AI comes a change in the user experience (UX) and human computer interaction (HCI) paradigm. Content will be used and served in new ways, and as technical writers we must adapt to these as well. With this may come some level of unlearning and relearning.
For example, most technical writing uses a formal language. However, content for AI chatbots should be conversational and replicate the natural dialog between humans. This needs us technical writers to rethink the tone and style of the content.
Develop Expertise in the Domain and Solution
While AI can be used to generate content, ensuring this information is accurate, relevant and complete is the technical writer’s responsibility. In addition, with AI enabling simpler user interactions, technical writers must now focus on high-value content. For example, explaining the business context, adding domain-specific content, explaining regulatory limitations, or highlighting the unique features of the solution. Writing about new processes, solutions and technologies also falls upon the technical writer. All this needs technical writers to develop domain expertise and learn all there is to know about the solution.
Learn AI Tools that Help with the Writing Process
Used appropriately, AI tools can greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the content creation and content delivery processes. Technical writers can use AI tools for research, creating initial drafts, optimizing content, correcting spelling and grammar mistakes, etc. This gives them time for value-added activities like adding business context or solution specific content. In addition, using AI capabilities for content delivery can help deliver personalized content to individual users and enhancing user experience.
Conclusion: Learn to Grow and Thrive as a Technical Writer!
In a fast changing world, the only way to stay relevant and thrive is to learn about the new developments. Our basic role remains the same; to ensure that the user gets usable, concise, precise and relevant information on demand. AI offers new opportunities for us to do this, and it is up to us to capitalise on it.
Nice read!
Thank you!