What is ISO-IEC 26085:2019?

The ISO-IEC 26085:2019 is an international standard that provides guidelines and requirements for the management and development of technical documentation. It aims to improve the accuracy, clarity, and usability of technical documents, ensuring that essential information is effectively communicated to users.

Main Features of ISO-IEC 26085:2019

This standard emphasizes the importance of creating comprehensive and user-friendly technical documentation. It defines various aspects of documentation that contribute to its overall quality and effectiveness:

Structure and Organization: ISO-IEC 26085:2019 presents guidelines on how to structure technical documents in a logical and coherent manner. It ensures that information is organized in a way that users can easily navigate and understand.

Language and Terminology: This standard promotes the use of clear and concise language in technical documentation. It recommends avoiding jargon, acronyms, and ambiguous terms that may confuse or mislead readers. Additionally, it encourages the use of standardized terminology to enhance consistency and understanding.

Graphics and Visuals: ISO-IEC 26085:2019 recognizes the importance of visual elements in technical documentation. It provides guidelines on using appropriate graphics, illustrations, and diagrams to supplement textual information. These visuals serve to clarify concepts, steps, and procedures, making the document more visually appealing and accessible.

User Feedback and Iterative Improvement: The standard highlights the significance of involving end-users in the documentation creation process. It recommends seeking user feedback to identify areas of improvement and incorporating suggested changes to ensure that the documents meet their specific needs.

Benefits of Complying with ISO-IEC 26085:2019

Adhering to the ISO-IEC 26085:2019 standard provides several advantages for organizations:

Improved User Experience: By following the guidelines, organizations can create technical documentation that is easy to understand and navigate. This improves user satisfaction and reduces support requests.

Enhanced Clarity and Consistency: The standard's focus on clear language and standardized terminology ensures consistent communication across documents. It eliminates confusion caused by inconsistent terminology usage, enhancing overall clarity.

Increased Efficiency: Well-structured and comprehensive technical documentation enables users to find relevant information quickly. This saves time and effort, allowing users to complete tasks more efficiently.

Compliance and Quality Assurance: Compliance with ISO-IEC 26085:2019 demonstrates an organization's commitment to delivering high-quality technical documentation. It serves as proof that the organization follows recognized industry standards and best practices.

Incorporating the principles outlined in ISO-IEC 26085:2019 can greatly improve the effectiveness of technical documentation. By providing clear instructions, removing ambiguity, and enhancing visual elements, organizations can ensure that their users have a positive experience with their products or services.