Developers Writing Technical Documentation is a Horrible Idea!

Product development is truly a work of art. There’s so much that goes into the development process that makes a product stand apart from the rest. However, simply designing, manufacturing and assembling a product is not enough. You also need to create user manuals providing instructions to users and outlining the product’s functionality. As product developers have been associated with the project since its inception, it is quite obvious to think that they are the perfect fit to write the documentation. However, that is a terrible idea. Read on to why and what makes availing technical content writing services in India your ideal option.

Developers Lack the Knack for Writing

Developers are brilliant at solving problems, coming up with new product features and fixing bugs. However, most of them are terrible when it comes to writing. In fact, most engineers are unable to write coherent sentences because programming and writing are skills that are poles apart. While one requires problem-solving and abstract thinking, the other needs conciseness, great language skills and creativity. Since developers are always thinking about what product to create next, their mind is never really in one place. They lack the patience to write and complete a user manual. Even if they know the product inside out, developers usually lack the skill of conveying the features and functions of a product in layman’s terms. Given the situation, it seems that the perfect way to create a user manual that your customers will understand is to hire content writers in India.

So, if you need to create a customer self-help or knowledge base for internal reference, turn to technical writers. Take a look below at why they make for a better fit than your team of developers.

# Ability to Simplify Complicated Issues

A user-manual filled with jargons will be unintelligible for the end-users. For instance, the development of an app involves complicated steps and the use of cutting-edge technologies. Even though users want to know the development process and the technologies used, they want it in a language that is comprehensible. This is exactly where technical writers come to the rescue. Thanks to their technical background and experience, they are able to convey the most complicated of thoughts and ideas in the simplest way possible. If you pair up with a professional content writing company, you can expect them to deliver you with technical documentation that is shorter and easy to understand even by the technologically impaired.

# Conversant with the Language of the Audience

The primary problem with asking your developer to create the knowledge base is that they are fabulous at listing the product features, but are not proficient in communicating the value or benefits of it. For instance, if Apple were to advertise their iPod as ‘1GB of MP3 storage’, the consumers wouldn’t have paid attention. They would have dismissed it thinking that it is only for the tech geeks. But, they promoted their iPod as ‘1,000 songs in your pocket’ and that is what caught the people’s attention. In 5 words, the utility and value of the product were made clear to the audience. Simply put, teaming with a content writing company in India will give you access to the expertise and experience of technical writers. You can make use of their ability to speak the language of the audience to your advantage and make your product features not just appear good on paper, but in real life too.

# Excellent Delivery Speed and Economical

Most small businesses have limited financial resources and hiring content writers India appears to be a luxury that they cannot afford. Therefore, they choose to create the documentation on their own. But, the problem with this is that the chances of your user manual being filled with technical and grammatical errors is high. Also, the manual may be difficult to comprehend by the consumers.

In the long-term, this approach will cost you more money as you will be spending your resources twice. On the other hand, technical writers can get the manual written within a given timeframe and the possibilities of mistakes will be slim. The investment will be worth it when you see the results.

# Unbiased and Impartial

It is important that user manuals are created objectively. But, developers may not be able to produce the same results as technical writers because they are too close to the project. Since developers have invested their time and energy into creating a product, it is quite possible that they might be enamored by the end result. Working with a content writing company India, on the other hand, means that the features, functions and value of the product are going to be presented in an unbiased manner. They will be able to see the bigger picture and put down only those features that will be of use to the consumers.

# Experience in Presentation and Professional Formatting

FAQs, tutorials and manuals are an integral part of your brand. If you are unsure about the format of each type of document, it will be best to avail content writing services in India. Technical writers are aware of the different format of different types of documents and they will ensure to make it appear professional. Moreover, they will work closely with you to decide on the right size, font, and color. Working with professional writers will make it easier for you to communicate your brand’s identity and style with your target audience.

To sum it up, developers and technical writers have two very different roles to play in the lifecycle of a product. While developers are given the actual responsibility of building a product, writers have the duty of promoting the product. It is usually best to not confuse the two job role. Just as how a writer cannot become a developer, a developer cannot become a writer. So, if you are in need of creating a manual or documentation for your product, make sure to speak to a content writing company. Writers can streamline the documentation process and make it faster.