Technical communication is the process of conveying information that enables people to interact with technology and solve problems. Text is the most common form of communication, but tables, charts, drawings, photographs, and other graphics are just as important. It means that technical writing and illustration are used to communicate technical information. But what exactly is technical illustration?
Technical illustration is a subset of technical communication that refers to the delivery of technical information through the use of visual aids. Its main goal is to effectively communicate information to the target audience through the visual medium.
Technical illustrations are used to describe and explain information to people who aren't technically inclined. As a result, visuals should be accurate in terms of proportions and portray the described object accurately.
Because technical communication must be visually appealing, easy to understand and navigate, text and visuals should be properly arranged on a page or computer screen in order to establish effective communication.
What is the role of a technical illustrator?
To create various technical graphics, technical illustrators collaborate with design teams and technical writers. These experts create images, diagrams, and schematics to communicate concepts and mechanical objects related to a variety of technical objects. These graphics are typically used to explain technical information to non-technical audiences.
An associate's degree or courses in art, sciences, computer graphics and design, or engineering are required for employment as a technical illustrator. Technical illustrators can also enrol in training programmes that teach computer graphics, visual design, technical terminology, and computer-aided design (CAD).
Types of Technical Illustrations Communication
Technical illustration can be divided into three categories based on the target audience:
1. Communication with non-experts allows the general public to be informed. Manuals for automobiles and consumer electronics contain this type of illustrated instructions. It uses simple terminology and symbols that are accessible to the general public.
2. Engineers and scientists use specialised communication to communicate with their peers and in specifications. Complex terminology and specialised symbols are used in this type of technical illustration. In the fields of atomic energy and aerospace, examples can be found.
3. Professional communication between highly skilled individuals. Engineers use technical illustrations to communicate with non-engineers who are highly skilled in a field in this case. Examples of this type can be found in the user documentation. These illustrations can be very complicated and contain jargon and symbols that the general public does not understand.
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