What is EN ISO 31286:2018?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published numerous standards to ensure the implementation of efficient processes and procedures across various industries. One such standard is EN ISO 31286:2018, which focuses on professional technical writing. This article aims to provide an of EN ISO 31286:2018 and explain its significance in the field of technical communication.

Understanding EN ISO 31286:2018

EN ISO 31286:2018 is a set of guidelines and best practices developed to enhance the quality of technical documents in a professional setting. It provides valuable instructions on creating clear, concise, and comprehensible content in areas such as product manuals, user guides, technical specifications, and reports.

The standard emphasizes the importance of structuring information logically, making it accessible to a wide range of users, from experts to those with limited technical knowledge. It encourages writers to use plain language, avoiding jargon and complex terminologies that may hinder comprehension.

Additionally, EN ISO 31286:2018 highlights the need for consistency, ensuring that terminology, format, and style are uniform throughout a document or across multiple documents within an organization. This helps readers find information easily and reduces the risk of misinterpretation.

Benefits of EN ISO 31286:2018

By following the guidelines outlined in EN ISO 31286:2018, technical writers can optimize their work and achieve several benefits:

Improved readability: The standard promotes using clear and concise language, making technical information more understandable and enabling users to easily navigate through the document.

Enhanced usability: By organizing information logically and providing clear instructions, technical documents become more user-friendly, resulting in improved product understanding and reduced error rates.

Time and cost savings: Well-written technical content reduces the need for customer support, minimizing the time and cost associated with addressing user queries and complaints.

International recognition: EN ISO 31286:2018 is an internationally recognized standard, and adhering to its guidelines can enhance the credibility of technical documents across global markets.

Implementing EN ISO 31286:2018

To effectively implement EN ISO 31286:2018, organizations should consider the following steps:

Educate technical writers: Provide training and workshops to enable writers to understand and apply the principles outlined in the standard.

Create style guides: Develop comprehensive style guides that define terminology, format, and writing conventions to maintain consistency throughout technical documents.

Review and revise existing content: Evaluate existing documents against the guidelines provided in EN ISO 31286:2018 and make necessary modifications to ensure they adhere to the standard.

Seek feedback: Continuously gather feedback from users and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and ensure ongoing compliance with the standard.

In conclusion, EN ISO 31286:2018 plays a crucial role in promoting professionalism and clarity. By following its guidelines, organizations can create high-quality technical documents that effectively communicate complex information to users, resulting in improved usability, reduced costs, and enhanced credibility in the global marketplace.