Technical Documents as Information Systems
Information is the stock in trade for all technical communicators, yet the concept of information as it applies to technical communication has not been well defined. This article presents an understanding of information that, it is hoped, will promote the development of a unified, theoretical
base for the practice of technical communication. The concept of information is examined from the perspectives of mathematics, engineering, biology, and human behavior. Characteristics of information common to all information systems are brought forward to a key understanding—that information
is inextricably linked with behavior. It follows that the first step in designing an information product is to state its purpose in terms of a desired behavioral outcome. Measuring behavior then becomes the most significant measure of an information product's quality.
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 May 1997
- Technical Communication, the Society's journal, publishes articles about the practical application of technical communication theory and serves as a common arena for discussion by practitioners. Technical Communication includes both quantitative and qualitative research while showcasing the work of some of the field's most noteworthy writers. Among its most popular features are the helpful book reviews. Technical Communication is published quarterly and is free with membership.
- Information for Authors
- Subscribe to this Title
- Membership Information
- Ingenta Connect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites
- Access Key
- Free content
- Partial Free content
- New content
- Open access content
- Partial Open access content
- Subscribed content
- Partial Subscribed content
- Free trial content