Chapter 21 - Technical Descriptions and Specifications

Purposes and Types of Technical Descriptions

• Product Description - learn to use a particular device
• Process Description - understand the steps or stages in a complex event

Objectivity in Technical Description

• Subjective - aims at expressing feelings, attitudes, and mood
• Can create impressions
• Objective - present an impartial view, filtering out personal impressions and focusing on observable details

Elements of a Usable Description

• Clear and Limiting Title
• Appropriate Level of Detail and Technicality
• Visuals
• Clearest Descriptive Sequence
• Spatial Sequence
• Functional Sequence
• Chronological Sequence

An Outline and Model for Product Description

• Introduction: General Description
• Description and Function Parts
• Summary and Operating Description

An Outline for Process Description

• Introduction
• Stages in Process
• Conclusion

Specifications

• The Customer
• The Designer
• The Contractor or Manufacturer
• The Supplier
• The Workforce
• The Inspectors

Technical Marketing Literature

• Brochures
• Web Pages
• Fact Sheets
• Business Letters