Effective communication is a key skill for product managers, and technical writing plays a critical role in ensuring that product ideas are transformed into reality by conveying complex ideas, specifications, and requirements clearly and concisely. Technical documentation encompasses various forms such as product requirement documentation (PRD), roadmap documentation, internal wikis, and API documentation, among others. As a product manager, creating and maintaining these technical documents may be part of your responsibilities in collaboration with the development team.
To enhance your technical writing skills, it is essential to have access to the right resources. Here are some recommended websites:
Divio Documentation System
The Divio Documentation System is a valuable resource that offers clear and concise guidance on technical writing best practices. It categorizes documentation into four types: tutorials, how-to guides, technical reference, and explanation. These distinct categories are crucial for individuals working with software as they provide clarity to both authors and readers regarding the appropriate content and format for each type of documentation. By following the defined guidelines, authors can efficiently deliver their intended messages. The website also provides easy-to-understand examples, facilitating the creation of impactful documentation.
Microsoft Writing Style Guide
If you work in a tech-focused environment, this comprehensive style guide should be your go-to resource. It provides valuable guidelines for creating consistent and user-friendly technical documentation, encompassing software manuals, chatbot design, and knowledge-base articles. By following the Microsoft Manual of Style, you can ensure that your writing aligns with industry standards, enhances readability, and maintains a professional tone to produce high-quality documentation that effectively communicates your message to your audience.
Google Technical Writing
Google Technical Writing is a valuable resource for tech product managers seeking to improve their product and development documentation. With technical writing courses and a developer documentation style guide, Google provides the necessary tools for individuals with varying levels of writing proficiency. The courses cater to those with basic English writing skills, making technical writing accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, the developer documentation style guide serves as a reference document for specific development questions, ensuring consistency and adherence to Google’s guidelines.
More Editorial Resources
In addition to the previously mentioned resources, there are other valuable editorial references from the tech community that can inspire and enrich your writing:
- Red Hat supplementary style guide for product documentation
- Apple Style Guide
- MongoDB Documentation Style Guide
Improving your technical writing skills not only enhances your ability to communicate effectively but also contributes to better collaboration and understanding within your team. Let’s strive to make our documentation clearer, more concise, and more impactful!
Reference and Learn More
- Notes on Technical Writing by mkaz.blog provides concise notes on technical writing and documentation, offering valuable insights into writing principles and tips.
- Write the Docs is a platform created by a global community of documentation enthusiasts. It serves as a hub for knowledge sharing, discussions, and resources related to technical writing to gain insights into best practices in software documentation.
- 5 Most Important Technical Documents for Product Managers by Archbee is a comprehensive article that focuses on the structure and scenarios of technical writing specifically for product managers.
