11/8/2021

Analyzing your Users • While understanding “the users” is

important in all types of writing when it
comes to technical writing, it’s essential
to being successful.
• When you are a technical writer,
knowing your potential users
determines
• 1.what information you present,
• 2. how you present it,
• 3. how you write about it.

Who Are Users? Why User Analysis?

• In technical writing, your audience is often
going to fit into one of the following
categories:
• Executives—Those who are funding the
product
• Experts—Those who are coming up with ideas
about the product
• Technicians—Those who are building the
product
• Non-specialists—The end-user
Through an audience analysis, you learn:
• Who your audience is
• What their goals are
• Their background, knowledge, experience,
training, etc.
• Their needs and interests
• Demographic characteristics
• Any culture and communication preferences

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A model of Information Behavior

Analysis advantages
• When completing user analysis, the more
information you gather about users, the better
your analysis will be and the easier it will be to
write your document. Understanding the
goals, needs, pains, and interests of users
allows you to build a document that is both
persuasive and user-centered.

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Thank you