About

I formally retired from technical writing in July 2017. As I have always been interested in writing and documentation I wanted to continue this interest with a blog covering topics of interest to me which also might be of interest to others as well.

History

After having been involved in analysing, documenting and implementing policies, processes, procedures and product information, and supporting the implementation of major computer systems for over 30 years, I started a technical writing business in May 2006 as a sole trader and then under a company established in April 2008.

My objective was to assist organisations gain the most from the extremely valuable information which is not formally documented, but only held in the minds and personal notes of employees and contractors.

Research

The business environment is continually changing and it is essential for organisations to provide their customers and employees with access to up to date, clear, concise and accurate information. I researched innovative and cost effective ways to improve the usability and delivery of this valuable information. This included capturing the knowledge employees had gained over many years, which may not be accurately passed on or shared with others in the organisation. If this information is readily available and in a form usable by employees and customers, the organisation has a flexible workforce which is more capable of covering peak periods and absences.

Using a modular or topic based approach reduced the costs of keeping the information up to date and relevant. It also allows information to be accessed through the most appropriate methods, including smartphones and tablets. The information was presented using combinations of text, images, graphics, video and audio depending on the type of information and the needs of customers and employees.

I assisted smaller organisations, or divisions of larger organisations, realise the cost benefits of providing their customers and employees with ready access to the information they need when they needed it and in a form they could best use it.