The Evolution of Technical Writing

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Recently, I published an article entitled "Market for Technical Writing in 2024." If you're a technical writer, the numbers were impressive. Estimates of significant growth of this IT industry segment are certainly comforting for those of us who earn our living this way (10 percent from now until 2026 and seven percent overall until 2032).

While the future is bright for the profession of technical writing, its history is largely unknown. Most IT professionals and tech writers are relatively clueless regarding the roots of this particular form of writing. So let's get smart, shall we?

Technical writing, once confined to things like user manuals and standard operating procedures, has undergone significant evolution in our modern technology-based business environment. Today, tech writing and enterprise documentation mirror advancements in computing and software development, process automation, digital communication, and project management methodologies. Like the rest of the world, the field has also begun to integrate artificial intelligence (more below).

Documentation Tools Keep Improving

One of the most significant advancements in technical writing and enterprise documentation has been in terms of tools. The first major tool transition was from analog and paper-based business workflows to a mostly or fully digital landscape (which occurred during the 1990s with the dot com). Pen and paper have yielded to PCs, tablets, and webcams.

Today, hardware like fast thin laptops and massive display panels allows technical writers to be more accurate, efficient, and productive than at any time in history. Software and services provide the rest of the recipe, giving us everything from MS Word and Photoshop to ChatGPT and Google Gemini—all propped up by broadband internet that is delivered via fiber optics and satellite.

From Aristotle to the Industrial Revolution

Modern technical writing emerged as a necessity during the industrial revolution, when complex machinery required detailed instructions for operation and maintenance. Following this, the advent of the digital age again transformed the field dramatically.

However, pure tech writing and documentation spans back considerably further in time than the industrial revolution that began in the late 18th century. Software documentation company ClickHelp recently wrote: "Throughout the centuries, technical writers served as mediators between people who created technology and people who used technology."

According to Wikipedia, technical writing has been a recognized profession only since World War II, about 80 years ago. Its roots, however, "can be traced to ancient Egypt where visual communication was regularly used to explain procedures." In ancient Greece and Rome, some of the earliest forms of this type of communication were developed by storied philosophers like Aristotle and Democratus.

Driving the Evolution of Tech Writing

Today, the most dramatic shifts in technical writing and how it is achieved result from a number of inputs, with a focus on AI, cloud-based collaboration, and user experience (UX) factors, as listed below.

AI & Automation: Artificial intelligence is beginning to play an important role in technical writing. AI tools can generate initial drafts and publishable imagery, perform grammar checks, and suggest improvements. This frees tech writers and their managers to focus on higher-level content strategy and creative challenges for which AI is not yet well suited.

Digital Transformation: The shift to digital platforms means that tech writing is no longer just about printed manuals. Today's technical writers must adapt to creating content within and for online environments. This includes interactive help files, software documentation, and user interfaces. This evolution demands not only a deep understanding of the subject matter, but also proficiency in multimedia integration, including development of video tutorials, infographics, and podcasts.

Globalization & Localization: With the trend of corporate globalization, some technical writers are now also localization experts, adapting content for different cultures and languages. This requires a blend of linguistic skills and cultural insight, further diversifying the role of technical writers.

Real-Time Collaboration: Modern technical writing often involves real-time collaboration via cloud-based platforms such as MS Teams and Zoom. Tech writers often work closely with software developers, designers, UX experts, and end-users. Tools such as GitHub, Google Docs, and Slack facilitate this collaboration, allowing for real-time feedback and iterative improvements. This collaborative approach ensures that documentation is current and can, in theory, improve accuracy and reduce errors (critical in industries such as aerospace, automotive, finance, and healthcare).

User-Centric Content: There's a growing emphasis on UX in technical writing. Writers are now tasked with creating content that not only informs, but also anticipates user needs and preferences. This involves things like content simplification, use of plain language, and documentation that flows smoothly and does not confuse users.

Broader Technical Trends

The evolution of technical writing in modern society reflects broader technological trends toward AI and automation, digitalization, globalization, and user-focused design. Technical writers today must be adept at not just writing, but also a number of complex technologies, user psychology, and a large collection of digital tools and services—making this field more dynamic and opportunity-filled than ever before.

Good Luck

It's apparent that technical writing and documentation in 2024 and beyond is not merely about the possession of quality writing skills. The top dogs of tech writing must also possess an excellent understanding of things like SaaS, AI, enterprise process analysis, and a host of other topics that employ thousands of technical writing freelancers, contractors, and FTEs every day.

But that's just my opinion. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

— Curt Robbins, Senior Technical Writer

P.S.: I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround.