The Art of Instructional Writing: The Approach

Part 1 – The Approach 
 
For over 25 years, ASCENT has produced clear, well-structured learning guides built on deep subject-matter expertise and a strong understanding of how learners use their engineering software. Beyond standard training guides, we also develop a wide range of instructional documentation, covering not only software workflows and operational procedures but also various other formats, including workbooks and technical manuals tailored to diverse user needs. With every project, our focus is on maintaining high standards for accuracy and clarity that support efficient learning. 

This blog post will outline our user-centric approach to instructional writing and explain why mastering this skill is essential for anyone developing user manuals, operational procedures, or learning materials. We’ll also discuss how understanding your audience and prioritizing clear communication sets the foundation for effective instructional content. 
This is the first of a three-part blog series covering the principles of instructional writing, approach and method, and the benefits they provide. 

What Is Instructional Writing? 
Instructional writing is a specialized form of technical writing. It is designed to present information in a clear, step-by-step manner, enabling users to follow procedures and successfully complete specific tasks. Understanding this purpose is essential for creating content that is effective, engaging, and easy for users to understand.  

Approach to Instructional Writing 
At ASCENT, we adopt a user-centric approach to instructional writing, prioritizing the learner’s needs to create an effective and engaging learning experience. To achieve this, we adhere to the following principles: 

Know Your Audience

• Understand the technical background and skill needs of your audience. 
• Tailor the content to match their level of expertise and product familiarity.

Focus on Clarity 

• Keep instructions simple and clear.
• Avoid jargon and technical terms unless necessary.

Plan Your Content Development 

• Set clear learning objectives to define what users should accomplish. 
• Organize information logically, following the natural flow of tasks or concepts. 
• Include visual elements to enhance understanding. 
• Use consistent formatting and style choices for better readability and user experience. 
  

Ensure Quality 

• Conduct multiple rounds of review to ensure accuracy. 
• Revise content to improve readability. 
• Deliver final materials that demonstrate professional quality, attention to detail, and readiness for use. 

ASCENT’s instructional writing services support the development of clear, consistent, and practical learning materials, whether you need new documentation or tailored enhancements to your existing content. To contact us for more information about our writing services, email us:  tech.writing@ASCENTed.com  

About the Author

Technical Writer and Editor<br><br>Surya has been writing and editing technical content for over two decades in multiple industries. How do you transform complex technical content into an easy-to-understand document? Ask Surya - technical writing is her passion! She has been with ASCENT since 2018. She holds a master’s degree in English Literature, and a diploma in Journalism, and is a certified Technical Writer.

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