Will AI Replace Technical Writers?
I’m back after taking some time off to enjoy the summer, and wouldn’t you know it, people are still talking about AI. So I suppose it’s time to address it here.
If you work in tech, I’m willing to bet your company is talking about artificial intelligence. I’m also willing to bet that the consensus is either a:
Breathless “WHAT ARE WE DOING ABOUT THIS” 😱
Resigned “I don’t have the time to deal with this right now” 🤦
Luckily, if you’re a technical writer, you’re probably not in a position to have to decide the details of your company’s product and corporate strategy relative to AI development and application.
However, there is that nagging question: Is my job safe?
I’m going to address this right up front: I DO think there will be a day that AI platforms will be able to make great quality technical content, making technical writers more or less obsolete. Sorry 😕. BUT the good news for us is that I think that level of quality is a long way off. (Hopefully at least until I retire… sorry kids.)
However, sooner than later you will absolutely see first-to-market products claiming to be the solution that automates technical writing. And some of them…well, they might be okay. And that is kind of scary. Because I think most people know that if a company can save headcount by substituting something that is okay in the place of a human position that is often misunderstood and undervalued—they absolutely will.
So, how can you put yourself in the best position to weather the early days of automation?
Learn How to Incorporate AI into Technical Writing
For now, until AI gets good enough (“a long way off,” I said!), there will be tasks that humans will be doing better than our digital counterparts.
For example, AI excels at processing and generating data, but it struggles with creativity, nuance, and empathy. This is what humans are great at—the qualities that make your writing relatable and understandable to users.
Likewise, while AI can generate content, it often requires human intervention to ensure accuracy, coherence, and relevance. Your expertise will still be important to maintain high-quality technical documentation.
So, that’s a relief, right?. Still, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn how to best to use what current AI tools are good at, to make you as productive and effective as possible. It also doesn’t hurt to display an understanding of AI, its limitations, and its benefits to you leadership. Keep in mind: your management is probably interested in how AI can make their departments leaner—be ready to display your knowledge and interest in applying AI to your workflow.
Instead of replacing you, current AI tools can enhance your output. They can help you automate mundane tasks and offer valuable insights, leaving you with more time and brainpower to focus on the creative aspects of your work.
So how do you use AI in technical writing? Read on…
5 Tips for Using AI to Elevate Your Technical Writing Game
1. Generating Initial Drafts with AI
You can use AI-powered content generation tools to create initial drafts of your documentation.
AI can help you kickstart your writing process by generating a preliminary draft. Tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT can analyze your input and provide a coherent outline or even a full paragraph. This can be very useful when you're facing writer's block or just need a nudge in the right direction.
Remember, though, this is just a starting point. Your unique insights and expertise will be required to refine and polish the content.
2. Improving Clarity and Readability
Use AI to analyze your document for readability and clarity.
One of the crucial aspects of technical writing is ensuring that your content is easily understandable by your target audience. AI can assist you by evaluating your text for readability metrics like the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level—and suggest improvements. Tools like Grammarly can also provide real-time suggestions to enhance the clarity and coherence of your writing.
3. Automating Proofreading and Editing
Use AI-driven proofreading and editing tools to catch grammar and spelling errors.
Nobody's perfect, and even the most seasoned technical writers can overlook grammar or spelling mistakes. (I am certainly not immune.) AI-powered proofreading and editing tools like ProWritingAid or Hemingway Editor can be invaluable in catching these errors. They also provide style suggestions, helping you maintain consistency throughout your documentation.
4. Creating Visual Content
Explore AI-driven solutions to create eye-catching visuals for your technical documents.
In today's digital age, visuals are a crucial part of technical documentation. AI tools like Canva or Adobe Express can assist you in creating professional-looking infographics, diagrams, and charts. These visuals not only enhance the visual appeal of your content but also make complex information easier to understand.
5. Analyzing User Data for Content Optimization
Use AI to analyze user data and gather insights for content optimization.
To truly excel as a technical writer, you need to understand your audience's needs and preferences. AI-powered analytics tools can help you gather insights from user interactions with your documentation. By studying user behavior, you can identify which sections of your content are most accessed and which need improvement. This data-driven approach ensures that you're providing the information your users truly need.
AI Isn’t Your Enemy…(Yet)
Try not to be intimidated by the adoption of AI in the world of technical writing. Instead, see it as an opportunity to level up your skills and become a more effective and efficient writer. At the moment, AI is here to assist you, and by embracing it as your friend, you can continue to deliver higher-quality technical content and boost your productivity.
So, get out there, experiment with AI tools, and discover how they can complement your technical writing. Remember: your unique perspective, creativity, and expertise will always be at the heart of what you do. AI is just here to lend a helping hand, making your process smoother and more successful.
