How do you revise your electrical design documentation?

1 Review the scope and objectives

The first step is to review the scope and objectives of your project and your documentation. What are the main goals and deliverables of your design? Who are the intended readers and users of your documents? What are the expectations and specifications of your client or authority? How will your documents be used, stored, and updated? Answering these questions will help you define the purpose, scope, and format of your documentation.

2 Check the content and accuracy

The next step is to check the content and accuracy of your documentation. You need to verify that your documents contain all the necessary information, such as design calculations, drawings, schematics, specifications, codes, standards, and references. You also need to ensure that your data, formulas, symbols, units, and labels are correct and consistent throughout your documents. You can use tools such as spreadsheets, calculators, or software to perform calculations and simulations, and compare them with your documents.

3 Edit the language and style

The third step is to edit the language and style of your documentation. You need to use clear, concise, and professional language that is appropriate for your audience and industry. You need to avoid jargon, slang, or ambiguous terms that might confuse or mislead your readers. You also need to use consistent and coherent grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization throughout your documents. You can use tools such as word processors, dictionaries, or grammar checkers to help you with editing.

4 Format the layout and appearance

The fourth step is to format the layout and appearance of your documentation. You need to use a consistent and attractive layout that enhances the readability and usability of your documents. You need to use headings, subheadings, tables, figures, charts, and diagrams to organize and present your information. You also need to use fonts, colors, margins, spacing, alignment, and numbering to create a visual hierarchy and contrast. You can use tools such as templates, styles, or software to help you with formatting.

5 Add the metadata and references

The fifth step is to add the metadata and references to your documentation. Metadata is the information that describes the characteristics and context of your documents, such as the title, author, date, version, keywords, and summary. References are the sources that you cite or acknowledge in your documents, such as books, articles, websites, or standards. You need to include the metadata and references to provide credibility, traceability, and accessibility to your documents. You can use tools such as metadata editors, citation managers, or software to help you with adding them.

6 Validate and test the documentation

The final step is to validate and test your documentation. Validation is the process of checking that your documents meet the requirements and specifications of your project and your client or authority. Testing is the process of checking that your documents work as intended and produce the expected results. You need to validate and test your documentation to ensure that they are functional, reliable, and compliant. You can use tools such as checklists, feedback, or software to help you with validating and testing.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?