What is ISO 55215:2018 ?

ISO 55216:2018 is an essential standard for technical writers, as it provides guidelines for producing high-quality and effective technical documents. The primary purpose of this standard is to ensure that technical documents are clear, concise, and easily understood by the target audience.

ISO 55216:2018 covers various aspects of technical writing, including document structure, language usage, formatting, and referencing. It promotes consistency and uniformity, allowing professionals in different countries and industries to communicate seamlessly through written materials.

By adhering to the guidelines laid out in ISO 55216:2018, organizations can enhance the effectiveness of their technical documentation. This international standard ensures that technical writers follow a structured approach while drafting articles, which ultimately results in improved clarity and understanding for the target audience.

Understanding the Purpose of ISO 55216:2018

ISO 55216:2018 is a standard that provides guidelines for writing thorough technical articles. It covers various aspects of technical writing, including document structure, language usage, formatting, and referencing.

The primary purpose of ISO 55216:2018 is to ensure that technical documents are clear, concise, and easily understood by the target audience. It promotes consistency and uniformity, allowing professionals in different countries and industries to communicate seamlessly through written materials.

Document Structure

ISO 55216:2018 outlines a hierarchical document structure that is based on the functional categories of Introduction, Background, Problem Statement, Solution, and Conclusion.

The Introduction section provides an overview of the topic and its purpose. The Background section provides information that is relevant to the topic but does not overwhelm the reader. The Problem Statement section defines the problem or challenge that the article aims to address.

The Solution section provides a detailed explanation of the problem or challenge and how it can be solved. Finally, the Conclusion section summarizes the main points of the article and provides recommendations or suggestions for further action.

Language Usage

ISO 55216:2018 recommends using clear and concise language while drafting technical documents. The standard emphasizes the importance of using terms and language that are appropriate for the target audience.

It also recommends using active voice instead of passive voice, as it is more engaging and easier to understand. Additionally, the standard advocates using shorter sentences and avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Formatting

ISO 55216:2018 provides guidelines for formatting technical documents. It recommends using a consistent format and font size for headings, subheadings, and text.

The standard also recommends using bullet points to break up text into smaller, more digestible pieces. It also advocates using white space to improve the overall flow of the document.

Citation Methods

ISO 55216:2018 recommends using various citation methods while drafting technical documents. It recommends using the Harvard citation method, which is widely used in academic writing.

The standard also recommends using in-text citations to credit sources directly. It also recommends using a citation machine to automate the citation process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ISO 55216:2018 is an essential standard for technical writers. It provides guidelines for writing clear, concise, and effective technical documents. By adhering to the guidelines laid out in this standard, organizations can enhance the effectiveness of their technical documentation and improve the overall quality of their technical writing.