Visual elements in technical documentation

Technical documentation plays a crucial role in the use and maintenance of a product. However, technical documentation can quickly become complex – or simply bore the reader – if it contains too much densely packed text. By integrating visual elements such as diagrams, tables and icons, you make your documentation significantly easier to read and understand. Just don’t lose sight of your brand identity in the process.

The benefits you can gain from using visual elements in your documentation

Long blocks of text can cause information overload and leave readers feeling tired or overwhelmed. Remember that documentation is usually consulted when the reader needs an answer immediately. By using visual elements in your documentation, you make life easier for your reader in several ways.

Break up the text

• Use visual elements to break up the text and create natural pauses for the reader. This makes it easier to digest the information.

Context

• Images, graphics and screenshots show the real-life context for your technical descriptions and instructions. This makes complex processes and technical details more tangible.

Knowledge retention

• When text is combined with visual elements, the reader remembers the information better. That way, the reader doesn’t have to go back and re-read sections several times to grasp the meaning.

Highlight important points

• Use visual elements to highlight the most important points in the text. You can show the exact icon from the screen or use an arrow to point directly to a specific button, so the user is never in any doubt about what you are refering to.

Remember your brand identity

When preparing your documentation, you have probably spent a lot of time thinking about content, usability, structure and so on. But have you remembered to consider whether the documentation actually reflects your brand?

Your technical documentation is a direct extension of your product and your company. That’s why the visual elements should always be in line with your company’s style guide. What colours do you use in your diagrams? What font do you use in your tables?

In addition, consistent language use is crucial in technical documentation, and exactly the same applies to the visual elements. You should use the same formatting, colours and visual elements to highlight the same content, illustrate the same types of topics, and show the same features throughout your documentation. When documentation is inconsistent, it creates immediate confusion. The reader is bound to wonder if two different figures are used to illustrate the same function.

Here’s how World Translation can help

At World Translation, we handle both text and layout for you. Save yourself the hassle of awkward post-processing of translated files. Our team of graphics specialists makes sure your text looks razor-sharp after translation.

Do you need help with your next technical translation and layout project?