What is EN 62679:2012?

EN 62679:2012 is a technical standard that provides guidelines for writing easy-to-understand technical content. It focuses on creating clear and concise documentation for various industries and purposes. This standard aims to improve communication between technical writers and readers, ensuring that information is accessible and comprehensible to a wide audience.

The Importance of Clear Technical Writing

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts is paramount. Technical writing plays a crucial role in this process, providing users with the knowledge they need to understand and utilize different products, systems, or processes. However, if the documentation is poorly written, it can lead to confusion, errors, and inefficiencies.

EN 62679:2012 recognizes the importance of clear technical writing and offers guidelines to address common challenges faced by technical writers. These guidelines are designed to help authors produce documents that are easily understood, even by individuals without extensive technical background or expertise.

Guidelines for Writing Easy-to-Understand Technical Content

EN 62679:2012 outlines several key principles to follow when creating technical documentation:

Use Plain Language: Avoid jargon, complex terminology, and acronyms whenever possible. Use familiar words and simple sentence structures to enhance readability.

Organize Information Logically: Present information in a logical manner, using headings, subheadings, and bullet points to guide readers through the document. This makes it easier for readers to locate specific information quickly.

Include Visuals: Incorporate diagrams, charts, and illustrations to supplement written content. Visual aids can significantly enhance understanding and retention of information.

Provide Context and Examples: Help readers connect theoretical or technical information to real-world scenarios by offering practical examples and relatable context. This makes it easier for readers to apply the knowledge they gain from the documentation.

Consider Translation and Localization: If your documentation needs to be translated into other languages or localized for different regions, use a simple writing style that is easily adaptable while ensuring cultural sensitivity.

The Benefits of Following EN 62679:2012

Adhering to the guidelines of EN 62679:2012 can bring numerous benefits to both writers and readers. Clear and intuitive documentation reduces support requests, minimizes user errors, and increases overall user satisfaction. It also helps to bridge the gap between experts and non-experts, empowering users with the knowledge to make informed decisions and effectively utilize products or systems.

By following this standard, technical writers can improve efficiency, save time, and enhance the overall quality of their documentation. Ultimately, creating content that is easy to understand and user-friendly contributes to better product adoption, improved safety, and increased productivity across various industries.