What is ISO 55167:2018?

ISO 55167:2018 is a technical standard that outlines the guidelines for writing easy-to-understand technical documents. This standard provides a set of rules and recommendations to ensure clarity, coherence, and accessibility.

The Importance of ISO 55167:2018

Clear and understandable technical documentation is crucial in various fields, including engineering, science, and technology. It allows for effective communication between experts and non-experts, minimizing misunderstandings and facilitating better decision-making. ISO 55167:2018 helps organizations create user-friendly documents that can be easily understood by all stakeholders.

The Key Principles of ISO 55167:2018

ISO 55167:2018 focuses on several key principles that contribute to the creation of understandable technical documents:

Simplicity: The standard emphasizes using simple and concise language, avoiding complex jargon, acronyms, and technical terms whenever possible. This ensures that the information can be grasped quickly and easily.

Coherence: Technical documents should have a logical structure and flow, making it easy for readers to follow the information from beginning to end. Clear headings, subheadings, and paragraphs help readers navigate the content effortlessly.

Visual Clarity: Documents should include visual aids such as illustrations, diagrams, and tables to enhance understanding. These visuals should be clear, labeled appropriately, and directly related to the accompanying text.

Consideration of Readers: ISO 55167:2018 highlights the importance of considering the needs of the target audience when creating technical documents. Writers should identify the readers' knowledge level and provide explanations and examples that match their understanding.

Implementing ISO 55167:2018

To implement ISO 55167:2018 effectively, organizations should educate their technical writers about the standard's guidelines and principles. They should encourage writers to undergo training programs that focus on improving writing skills, emphasizing simplicity, coherence, and visual clarity. Review processes should be put in place to ensure compliance with the standard and to provide feedback for continuous improvement.

By adhering to ISO 55167:2018, organizations can enhance the readability and accessibility of their technical documents, enabling better comprehension and increased user satisfaction.