top of page
Writer's pictureIne Haudenhuyse

Why structuring documentation is like dating (only less awkward)




Yes, you read that right: there are some surprising similarities between these two seemingly different activities. At Flow, we specialize in guiding you through the art of structuring your documentation with our expert-led structured writing workshop. And hey, if you want to apply those same principles to your love life—no judgment here! 


For more info about our workshop, please refer to the end of this article. 


The magic of consistency 

Ever heard the tale of the guy who tried to win his true love's heart by sending sporadic texts? Yeah, didn’t think so—because we all know that consistency is the key to romance. Interestingly, the same principle applies to your writing: being consistent with your terminology, phrasing, and topic structure makes information easier to find and content easier to follow. Could it be that consistency is simply the secret to life? 


Navigating the conversation 

So, you’ve set up a date at your favourite local gelateria— picture a charming spot and the delightful aroma of fresh waffle cones. But remember, a great date isn’t just about where you go; it’s about being approachable to really connect. Similarly, let’s draw a parallel to structured documentation: just like a great conversation, your documentation needs to be accessible and easy to navigate. After all, accessible documentation helps users find what they need without any hassle.


Could it be that consistency is simply the secret to life?

We know you can get caught up in the excitement of picking out flavours. However, it's generally recommended to focus more on your date's life and hobbies, than on the colour of your ice cream. Likewise, make sure to customize your documentation with a focus on your user's needs. What tasks do they struggle with? What questions do they have? What information do they need?


Capturing a heart, simple right? 

Want to impress your date with three leprechauns riding a unicycle while playing the bagpipes? Think again! Sometimes, minimalism and straightforwardness can be more effective than trying too hard to impress. Same goes for your beloved docs: keeping it concise and to the point helps your users stay on track. Determine how much information they need to perform a task correctly or to understand a concept. 


Where do I sign up? 

Of course, there are plenty more principles to master for great structured writing. If we’ve piqued your interest and you’re ready to boost your team’s tech writing skills (and maybe even their love lives), you’re in luck! Join us for our next workshop: 


October 17th and 18th

Mail us at info@flowtime.be


In this workshop, your team will learn the principles of structured writing to create clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation. 


See you there! 

Comments


bottom of page