Septembre 2024
Popularization is the art of presenting complex subjects in a way that is simple and easy to understand for the general public. This skill is essential in many technical fields as it facilitates effective communication with audiences of varying levels of expertise.
Clients: they may not always have the in-depth technical knowledge required to fully understand the benefits of a product.
Management: they require a clear understanding of the advantages and effectiveness of technological products to make informed decisions, without needing in-depth technical knowledge.
R&D teams: they communicate to management innovation projects which are then presented to buyers and investors.
End users: they require user-friendly documents (such as interfaces, user guides or product descriptions) that are easy to understand.
Technical new hires: they need clear and precise instructions to help them integrate smoothly and install products correctly.
Here are a few proven strategies for successfully popularizing a complex technical subject.
1. DETERMINE THE COMMUNICATION OBJECTIVE
2. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
3. STRUCTURE YOUR INFORMATION
4. USE EVERYDAY LANGUAGE
5. USEFUL TOOLS AND RESOURCES
Project: Writing a newsletter
Object: The role of building automation systems in the manufacturing sector
Target audience: Clients, prospects, suppliers, partners, company personnel and students interested in the field.
Purpose: Inform plant owners about the existence of building automation systems that complement production line automation systems
Building automation (intelligent automation technology for residential, commercial and industrial buildings) plays a key role in optimizing manufacturing processes. When writing this newsletter, I had to consider a diverse audience of specialists and non-specialists alike. The case study details the approach taken to make the subject accessible to all.
CHALLENGES
Direct communication
I spoke with the project manager to gain insights into the challenges, solutions, installed products and added value.
Clarification and understanding
I verbally rephrased the information provided to ensure accurate understanding.
Logical organization
I structured the content to ensure a natural flow, starting with the company's expertise, followed by two case studies, an overview of solutions by industry sectors, and concluding with the benefits of building automation.
Terminology research
I compiled a list of technical words and concepts to define. I referred to dictionaries, product descriptions and technical data sheets to rephrase or explain these terms. To ensure clarity for non-specialists, I had both the project manager and a colleague from the Human Resources Department proofread the document.
Clarity and examples
I spelled out acronyms the first time they appeared, e.g., "heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems" or "radio frequency identification (RFID)."
Instead of using technical jargon like "thermal control systems" I explained the concept in practical terms: "These systems ensure perfect bread quality" making the advantages clear for non-specialist readers.
Visual support
I included pictures of the plant and a 3D diagram to illustrate concepts concretely.
Initially concerned about oversimplifying and losing technical accuracy, I collaborated closely with a specialist to strike the right balance between accessibility and precision.
The newsletter has been very well received by both specialist and non-specialist readers. I've received positive feedback from project managers, senior management and employees.
Popularizing technical jargon is not just about simplifying information, it's about making it accessible. By transforming complex information into understandable knowledge, technical writing specialists play a crucial role in ensuring that innovation reaches the widest possible audience.
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