Translating Complex Messages
Above all else, technical communication should be accessible. You're tasked with explaining information to multiple stakeholders, many of whom may never have been exposed to the subject matter before. It's essential to hold a strong foundational knowledge over the subjects at hand. This requires intense researching and the ability to learn quickly, as well as the flexibility to expose yourself to new content frequently. In this section, I'm including several examples of translating complex research reports or legal documents into accessible and readable works.
Above all else, technical communication should be accessible. You're tasked with explaining information to multiple stakeholders, many of whom may never have been exposed to the subject matter before. It's essential to hold a strong foundational knowledge over the subjects at hand. This requires intense researching and the ability to learn quickly, as well as the flexibility to expose yourself to new content frequently. In this section, I'm including several examples of translating complex research reports or legal documents into accessible and readable works.
Making the Leap from Scholarly to Leisurely
Making the Leap from Scholarly to Leisurely
My intention with this document wasn't to shorten it; instead, it was to make it more interesting to read. I included easier to read formatting and more accessible language. I added stock photography and updated the visuals. The end result is something you may find on a news website instead of a scholarly journal.
My intention with this document wasn't to shorten it; instead, it was to make it more interesting to read. I included easier to read formatting and more accessible language. I added stock photography and updated the visuals. The end result is something you may find on a news website instead of a scholarly journal.
The original source document. Retrieved from https://asistdl.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/meet.14504701180
Please do not download or reuse this document without the owner's consent. It is included here for comparison purposes only.The document that I updated for accessibility and readability. There is much written here that was pulled directly from the source document.
Making the Laws More Accessible
Making the Laws More Accessible
Sometimes the only difference between a criminal and a law-abiding citizen is access to information. I created a quick reference guide to the Utah State Controlled Substances Act for out of state travelers who may not be familiar with the stricter than most laws in Utah. I had to comb the original document for important information and become familiar with the regulations of a state other than my own.
Sometimes the only difference between a criminal and a law-abiding citizen is access to information. I created a quick reference guide to the Utah State Controlled Substances Act for out of state travelers who may not be familiar with the stricter than most laws in Utah. I had to comb the original document for important information and become familiar with the regulations of a state other than my own.
The original source document. Retrieved from https://dopl.utah.gov/
Please do not download or reuse this document without the owner's consent. It is included here for comparison purposes only.
The updated document includes sections and clear headings. The intention was to create a quick reference guide that anyone can pick up and use.
Layering Links and Separating Sections
Layering Links and Separating Sections
With digital media, content can be enhanced in ways never before possible in print. Layering links into the text can enhance the experience for the reader, adding context and information for them. You can adjust your writing style to be more concise, and by providing resources, you can assume a base knowledge and write to a generally higher level. In this document, I've layered in contextual links, pulled quotes out to make the information scannable, and created sub-sections that make it easier to find the information you need. The result is a document that can be used as a reference as opposed to needing to be read in its entirety.
With digital media, content can be enhanced in ways never before possible in print. Layering links into the text can enhance the experience for the reader, adding context and information for them. You can adjust your writing style to be more concise, and by providing resources, you can assume a base knowledge and write to a generally higher level. In this document, I've layered in contextual links, pulled quotes out to make the information scannable, and created sub-sections that make it easier to find the information you need. The result is a document that can be used as a reference as opposed to needing to be read in its entirety.
The original source document. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2018.04.006
Please do not download or reuse this document without the owner's consent. It is included here for comparison purposes only.