Probing the use of charts and graphs in technical documentation through analysis and pragmatic collaboration

摘要

A continuous priority for technical writers is to increase user comprehension of concepts and statistical information in technical documentation. Improvements in the written language such as consistent terminology, use of an established writing style, accurate indexing, advanced search capabilities, and so on, address some of the user pain points. The complexities of certain topics do not always translate well into writing; therefore, there is a need for other aids such as information graphics to assist with visualization and to increase the efficacy of information communication [1]. The benefits of information graphics in documentation and learning modules are well documented by the works of Levin and Pane [2, 3]. The conclusion is simple according to Davison, Pane, and Bertrancourt: if graphics are crafted correctly with the intent to enhance understanding then the quality of the documentation will improve and ultimately enrich the user experience and comprehension [4, 5, 6].