TECHNICAL

DESCRIPTION
 WHAT IS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION?
• description answers the question ‘what is it?’ but give additional
information to help readers visualize what’s being described such as
its shape, materials, function, operation, and size
• uses a combination of visuals and text to both “show” and “tell” the
reader about the information being conveyed. Like more creative
descriptions, it draws on the “five senses” and metaphorical
comparisons (analogies) to allow the reader to fully conceptualize
what is being described.
• can take many forms, depending on purpose and audience.
• Common forms: mechanism description, process description,
definition
 MECHANISM/PRODUCT
DESCRIPTION
• provide a detailed overview the physical aspects of a tool, machine or other mechanical
device that has moving parts and is designed to perform a specific function. These could be
product descriptions for sales or manufacturing, documentation of design specifications, info-
graphics, etc.
• Mechanism descriptions should provide a clear understanding of the object being described,
including
a. General appearance and physical properties
b. Overall function/purpose
c. Component parts
d. How the parts interact to create a functioning whole.
• The reader should be able to clearly picture, and therefore understand, the nature of the
object being described, what it does, and how it works.
In order to achieve this clarity for the reader, the writer must choose
significant details and organize information logically. Select details that can
be described precisely and measurably, such as

TEXTURE, SMELL,
COLOR MATERIALS TASTE
COMPONENTS FINISH
SIZE PARTS
PATTERNS, DESIGNS
SHAPE PROPERTIES
PRINCIPLES AT INTERACTIONS
DIMENSIONS WORK
 WHEN WRITING:
• you must consider purpose and audience:
Why does your audience need this description? What
will they use it for? Are you describing different types of
solar panels for the average consumers to help them
choose the one that best fits their needs? Are you giving
schematics to technicians and installers?
 DRAFT A DESCRIPTION THAT INCLUDES THE
FOLLOWING ELEMENTS:
1. Definition: What is it, and what is its main purpose?
2. Overview: Describe the mechanism’s overall appearance (“big picture”).
3. Components: Describe the main component parts in labeled sections; consider the order of information
carefully here. Create a logical connection between each component described.
4. Explanation: how do the parts work together to fulfill its function? What key principles govern its functioning?
Consider how much detail is necessary here for your intended audience.
5. Visuals: include graphics that clearly illustrate the mechanism and/or its parts. Show the device as a whole;
consider showing specific details in expanded views, cut-aways, or labeled diagrams. You may even embed or link
to videos showing the device in action.
6. Conclusion: depending on the purpose, you might review product’s history, availability, manufacturing, costs,
warnings, etc.)
7. References: Sources you have used in your description, or additional sources of information available (if
relevant).
Technical Description Template
Audience and Purpose Who will read this description and why?

Definition and Function What is it? What does it do? What is its purpose?

Overview Describe its overall appearance (shape, size, color, etc)

Components and Describe the component parts (chose most relevant features)
Explanations and explain how they work together
•What kind of illustrative graphics will you use? Where?
•Diagrams
Visuals •Photographs
•Cut-away views
•Exploded views
Do you need to offer any further information? History?
Conclusion
Warnings? Context? Costs? etc.

References Any sources used, or supplemental sources to suggest

 IN REFINING THE DETAILS OF YOUR DESCRIPTION
AND ITS COMPONENT PARTS, CONSIDER THE
FOLLOWING:

• Organization: Use a logical • Language: Use specific, precise, concrete

principle to organize your description
a. Top to bottom (or foundation upward)
b. Left to right (or right to left)
c. Inside to outside (or outside to inside)
d. Most important to least important
features
e. Central component to peripherals
f. Material properties, etc.
terms –
a. avoid vague or overly-general terms
b. Use correct terminology – define terms as necessary
for your audience
c. Use analogy to describe an unfamiliar thing in terms
of a familiar thing
d. Use objective language – no “ad speak” or subjective
terms
e. Use present tense, active verbs to describe how the
device appears and what it does
f. Use words that create vivid and specific pictures in
the reader’s mind.