ProWrite has been in the technical writing industry for more than four decades, and we’ve seen firsthand how it has changed. Technical writing deliverables have grown from software installation guides and product user manuals to online tutorials, vlogs, and more. Technical documents are rarely printed these days but can be viewed electronically on different devices of varying sizes with electronic search functions, which render indexes obsolete. Our skillsets must encompass visual communications, generative AI prompt engineering, and ever-changing plain language guidelines. 

With all that said, in many ways, technical writing is in its golden age right now. Concepts we have always championed, like being concise and straightforward, are even more critical as technology progresses. The current field is far more dynamic than it has been in years past, and we writers are constantly adapting to meet our clients’ needs.

In this article, we discuss trends and challenges that are shaping the technical writing industry in 2024. Whether you’re interested in ProWrite’s professional services, or you’re a budding technical writer, we hope this overview provides you with valuable insights.

What Are 5 Trends Shaping Today’s Technical Writing World?

1. The Shift Toward Simplification and Brevity

Users today prefer concise and straightforward content that is simple, explicit, and brief. The shift to simplification has required technical writers to distill, in some cases, the most technical information in history into its simplest form. Using plain language and focusing on user-friendly language is now considered state-of-the-art in most technical writing applications. Although plain language has always been at the heart of technical writing, it is more important than ever before due to readers’ decreasing amounts of time, attention, and screen space. In today’s busy world, no one wants to wade through jargon-dense pages of complex technical information. 

2. The Rise of Engaging Visual Content

Enhanced visual content is another game changer in technical writing. Charts and graphs have always been used to break up text and present complex information in an easy-to-read format. However, simple, two-dimensional graphics of pyramids and line charts no longer suffice. These days, stunning photos, screen captures, infographics, videos, and interactive tutorials are used to improve the user experience and engage readers. 

3. The Integration of AI and Automation

For better or for worse, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation tools have had a massive impact on technical writing. AI-powered tools can assist in creating content, building outlines, checking grammar, and summarizing large chunks of information. While these tools can boost productivity, using generative AI also generates certain risks. The content is often flawed, both technically and grammatically, and sometimes it’s just factually incorrect. Is the convenience of generative AI worth the potential for error? Regardless, ProWrite will always use the human approach, championing our writers’ voices and tones. Our creativity, empathy, and contextual understanding remain critical to the content we produce.

4. The Emphasis on UX

User experience (UX) has always been a central focus in technical writing. For a user to understand how to operate a tool, system, or service, the UX must be clearly defined. And for a UX to be clearly defined in writing, technical writers must fully immerse themselves in it. We have to think like users and understand their needs and pain points. We must anticipate what users will require from our content. Thus, we need a deep understanding of the item at hand and its intended audience when crafting the most fitting documentation. When writing about a product, it isn’t enough to imagine the user experience—the technical writer must experience the system as the user does.

5. The Awareness of Regulatory Compliance and GDP

Technical writers often work with clients from various industries with specific (and mandatory) operating standards and good documentation practices (GDP). It is up to the technical writer to have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the regulating bodies, international and domestic standards, certification requirements, and safety protocols that affect their clients. A technical writer who has a complete understanding of their clients’ worlds and the rules they need to follow is a writer who will have no trouble delivering an accurate and complete product.

What Are 2 of the Biggest Challenges Facing Tech Writers Today?

1. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is constantly adapting to the proliferation of digital threats and attacks. Ransomware has surged in recent years. Cloud security has become crucial to consumers and businesses. Use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and locally connected smart devices introduces innumerable avenues for hackers to access people’s personal information. Due to these and other threats, cybersecurity software, regulations, and documentation are consistently in flux, and technical writers are continuously working to stay on top of them. 

2. The Need to Stay Current

In a world of fast-paced technological changes, staying current is an ongoing necessity. New tools, apps, and methodologies emerge all the time, and it seems like they require a new update every month! Technical writers are always learning and adapting. Not only do we keep current with industry trends, but we also understand the ins and outs of the specific technologies we document. Staying on top of the trends is an uphill battle, and it’s one we’re proud to fight.

What’s Next?

By taking trends in stride and overcoming constant challenges, technical writers are pushed to be better communicators and continuous learners. We embrace these changes, and we create content that informs and empowers users. It’s a dynamic journey, and we can’t wait to document the future!

Please get in touch with us to learn more about ProWrite’s technical writing and editing services.