What is EN ISO 31070:2018?

EN ISO 31070:2018 is a technical standard that provides guidelines and best practices for writing easy-to-understand technical articles. It focuses on ensuring clarity, conciseness, and accessibility of information to the target audience. The standard aims to improve communication between technical experts and non-experts, facilitating knowledge transfer and promoting effective understanding.

Importance of Easy-to-Understand Technical Writing

Easy-to-understand technical writing plays a crucial role in various fields, such as engineering, medicine, and software development. When complex information or instructions are communicated in a clear and concise manner, it minimizes potential misunderstandings and errors. This enhances productivity, safety, and user satisfaction. Additionally, accessible technical writing promotes inclusivity by making information available to a wider range of readers, including those with limited technical expertise.

Key Principles of EN ISO 31070:2018

1. Clarity: The standard emphasizes the use of plain language and avoids jargon, acronyms, and excessive technical terms. Sentences and paragraphs should be short, focused, and easily understandable.

2. Structure: Information should be logically organized into sections and subsections, with headings and subheadings clearly indicating the content. Guidelines regarding font size, spacing, and formatting are provided to enhance readability.

3. Illustrations and Examples: Visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, and tables, are encouraged to supplement the text. They help readers grasp complex concepts more easily and facilitate comprehension.

4. Consistency: Consistent terminology, symbols, and units of measurement promote clarity and avoid confusion. The standard also recommends using internationally recognized standards whenever appropriate.

5. Review and Revision: Regular review and revision of technical articles ensure that the content remains accurate, up-to-date, and relevant. Continuous improvement is an integral part of effective communication.

Benefits of Following EN ISO 31070:2018

By adhering to the guidelines specified in EN ISO 31070:2018, writers can ultimately enhance the effectiveness of their technical articles. The benefits include improved comprehension and retention of information, increased user satisfaction, reduced ambiguity and errors, enhanced collaboration among experts and non-experts, and overall better communication in technical domains. Adopting standardized practices also fosters consistency across various publications, making it easier for readers to navigate through different articles and documents.