Articles

Welcome—glad you stopped by. The Articles page is where I share practical advice, real-world stories, and insights on technical writing, documentation, and information design. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, there’s something there for you.

Final Check: Testing Documentation for Clarity and Success

You’ve written the document. It’s structured, formatted, and reviewed. But is it actually clear? The final step in any writing process is testing. What makes sense to you might not make sense to the reader. A well-written document isn’t just technically correct; it...

When Writing Fails: Common Pitfalls That Hurt Usability

Technical writing isn’t about sounding smart—it’s about making things work. When users struggle, it’s rarely because they lack intelligence. It’s because the writing failed them. Here’s where things go wrong and what to do instead. 1. The Instructions Don’t Match...

The Flow of Documentation: Organizing for the User’s Mind

Have you ever opened a document and immediately felt lost? The information is all there, but something about the way it’s arranged makes it hard to follow. That’s a structuring problem, not a content problem. Good documentation doesn’t just give information—it guides...

Stop Making Technical Writing Suck

Technical writing often carries the perception of being dull, tedious, or...

From Science to Solutions: Helping Non-Experts Choose Solar Panels

Buying solar panels shouldn’t feel like a science experiment. For most people,...

Explaining Solar Systems to Kids (and the Adults Who Feel Like Kids)

If you can explain solar panels to a kid, you’ve unlocked the ultimate level...

How Photovoltaic Cells Work (Without the Jargon!)

Solar power may seem like science fiction. However, the magic behind...

Audience Analysis in Action: Lessons from Smart Thermostat Documentation

If you’ve ever wondered why some product manuals feel effortless to use, the answer often comes down to audience analysis. Others are downright frustrating because of poor audience understanding. You can tailor your documentation when you take the time to understand...

Writing Manuals That Serve Both Homeowners and Technicians

Creating one manual for two totally different audiences feels like juggling. Homeowners want simplicity. Technicians need precision. So how do you balance both without overwhelming either group? Let's break it down. We will explore how you can create inclusive and...

Quick-Reference Guides for HVAC Technicians: A Smart Thermostat Case Study

Picture this: an HVAC technician is on-site installing a smart thermostat, and the clock is ticking. They reach for the manual, only to find a confusing mess of overly detailed instructions. Frustrating, right? That’s where quick-reference guides come in. They’re the...

Simplifying the Complex: Writing Smart Thermostat Manuals for Homeowners

We’ve all been there—facing a manual packed with technical jargon and overly complicated instructions. It’s frustrating! But when it comes to homeowners setting up their new smart thermostat, it doesn’t have to be that way. Your goal as a technical writer? Make their...

Two Audiences, Two Goals: Know Your Audience

Ever opened a product manual and felt completely lost? You’re not alone. Homeowners need to figure out how to set up their new smart thermostat. HVAC technicians also have to troubleshoot complex installations. The secret to effective documentation lies in knowing...

What Makes a Great Leader in 2025?

Keyword: great leadership qualitiesFocus: Explore timeless leadership traits and how they apply to modern challenges. Introduction: Leadership in a Rapidly Evolving World The world of 2025 is more interconnected, fast-paced, and unpredictable than ever. Leaders today...

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