Minimalist Writing for Documentation

Course-at-a-glance: This three–day course is developed for people who need to reduce the volume and complexity of content. Learn best practices to help reduce the cost to develop, produce, and maintain materials. Cut the time and effort needed to work with content and improve the quality of deliverables. Learn why good design reduces the need for documentation and learn to work with developers to set and meet shared goals.

Prerequisite: You must have a solid working familiarity with your operating system.

Objectives: Upon successful completion attendees will be able to:

  • Apply what is learned to your documents (and please, bring them along to discuss in class)

  • Identify the core audience that consumes your content and write accordingly

  • Create clear, self-contained tasks so users can "scan and go" if they wish

  • Support tasks with logical progressions of related topics

  • Provide readers with realistic projects that can be accomplished simply

  • Work with a variety of software tools to create minimalist based content

  • Understand when and where to use images, tables, text, lists, and other organization objects

  • Manage your project with finite resources

  • Identify key issues to consider when implementing any minimalist idea and converting legacy content

Further Learning: DITA Tools and Technology or Topic Based Writing

Delivery: The following delivery is available:

  • Instructor–led, group–paced, online–delivery learning model with structured hands–on activities and assignments

  • Customized classroom training at your location

Fees: Course pricing is as follows:

  • Instructor–led, online–delivery: $1495/participant (group rates available)

  • Customized classroom training at your location: $1995/day for up to 8 participants plus travel expenses

    • Please note that some custom training using your materials may require additional preparation time and have additional fees associated with it.

Testimonial

"Bernard provided hands-on training for our group at Ken Cook Co and his enthusiasm was infectious. Bernard cleverly introduced learning tasks and followed that with unique ways to apply the learned skill. Everyone was challenged but came away with new-found mastery of the product."

Mollye Barrett

Director, Content Management at Ken Cook Co.