What Is the Difference Between a Technical Writer and a UI/UX Writer

There are different online writing careers you can aspire to. Let's learn the difference between a technical writer and a user-interface writer.

Content writing, copywriting, technical writing, and now, UI/UX writing--the internet is often buzzing about one or other type of writing. So let's look at the last two and understand the difference between technical writing and UX writing.

What Is Technical Writing?

Have you ever read a technical document? Of course, you have if you have ever built something with Lego, assembled IKEA furniture, or installed software on your computer. You must have read through a set of instructions and followed the steps. The instruction manual is a type of technical document.

Technical writing--as the name implies--involves writing for specialized fields like engineering, Information Technology, and manufacturing. A technical writer is a highly-skilled individual who can craft important documents like user manuals, how-to guides, and training articles.

The main job of a technical writer is to translate the complicated jargon into plain language for the users. Therefore, writing medical procedures, legal documents, and scientific journals are also considered technical writing.

What Skills Do You Need for Technical Writing?

Interested in becoming a technical writer? Here is what you need to succeed:

Love for All Things Technical:

It would be best if you were a science and technology enthusiast eager to learn complex things.

Sleuthing Skills

As a technical writer, your first job is to research the product and the user's needs. Then, you should talk to the SMEs (Subject-Matter Experts), sift through all the technical stuff, and distill to the basics. To succeed in this role, you should be curious and adaptable. Technical writers are also strong communicators who are not afraid of asking questions.

Eye for Detail

Technical writers use both the creative and analytical sides of their brains. Therefore, it is essential to see the big picture in technical writing and not miss the finer details. In other words, your technical document should be concise yet have all the necessary information for the users. A technical writer also needs to pay attention to the organization of the document. For instance, the finished work should have a glossary, index, and appendix for the users' benefit.

Plain Language Ninja

How often have you yawned when reading a legal document or felt helpless trying to find something in a manual? Technical documents are notorious for their complexity--they are usually long, filled with jargon, and not easy to understand. But not anymore.

Plain language writing is in vogue now. Your document is helpful only if it is concise and easy to understand for the users. Also, a well-designed technical document should be consistent and follow an appropriate style guide.

Artist at Heart

Technical documents also include illustrations and design elements as visual aids. So, as a technical writer, you will be expected to design documents using special software other than word processing software.

Adobe RoboHelp, FrameMaker, Madcap Flare, and Microsoft Visio are some popular writing tools used in the industry. Along with this, a knowledge of image editing and design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator can come in handy for a technical writer.

How to Get Into Technical Writing?

If you're a specialist such as an engineer, doctor, lawyer, or IT professional with excellent writing skills, it's relatively easy to become a technical writer--thanks to your domain expertise. Here are some other routes into technical writing:

• Get a bachelor's degree in English, Communication, or Journalism.
• Do a certificate course in Technical writing.
• Sharpen your STEM skills by keeping up with the latest happenings in the industry.
• Learn relevant writing/design software. (Try an open-source software to start with.)
• Write mock-up user manuals for the products that you use often.
• Intern and gain experience.
• Make a portfolio for potential employers.

What Is UI/UX Writing?

The funny 404 Page Not Found errors and friendly app notifications are great examples of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) writing. It involves writing specifically for the user interface, which can be the screens of your smart appliances, computers, tablets, and mobile phones.

Writing for the user interface is similar to creative copywriting. The difference is that you are writing microcopy: short snippets of information for the web pages and buttons on the apps. Although microcopy tends to be less complex than technical writing, it is not easy to portray a brand's voice with merely a few words.

What Skills Do You Need for UI/UX Writing?

You don't need extensive technical knowledge, but still, you should know your way around software and design programs. To ace a UI/UX writing role, you'll need all the other skills listed for a technical writer, plus the ones below:

Enjoy Being in Other's Shoes

Think of all your favorite apps and websites--they are all built upon a great user experience. You appreciate them for making your life easier. Be it with easy navigation or helpful hints, or subtle reminders. Likewise, you should empathize with the end-users, understand their needs and skill levels, and exactly provide what they want.

See Things Differently

Your words will be the face of the brands you're representing. You should be able to provide context and urge an action with the least possible number of words. At the same time, you should aim to keep your brand's voice intact too. Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking are non-negotiable skills for a UI/UX Writer.

Put a Smile on Others' Face

Users connect with your product more when they see a personality. They can easily relate and react to warm and inviting messages. Authenticity is the key, and the metaphors and puns add flavor to your writing. Your product has more chance of succeeding if it sounds human instead of a robot.

How to Get Into UI/UX Writing?

As a potential UI/UX writer, you are a product designer or part of a larger product designing team. Begin with these skills.

• Get a bachelor's degree in English, Communication, or Journalism.
• Study about Marketing Psychology and user-centered design principles.
• Design sample web pages with your microcopy and include them in your portfolio.

If you're already a product designer and interested in UI writing, you can polish your writing skills with these writing courses and include UI/UX writing in your repertoire.

Choose the Right Career for You

Choose technical writing if you love to delve deep into technical things, translate the nitty-gritty into plain language, and empower your users to learn. On the other hand, UI/UX Writing is for you if you are a creative empath who is passionate about user experience and want to make a difference in their lives.