What is ISO 55137-2014?

Introduction

The ISO 55137-2014 is a standard that provides guidelines for the development and management of software documentation. It is designed to ensure consistency, accuracy, and usability of technical documents, such as user manuals, specifications, and technical reports.

Key Requirements

This standard lays out key requirements for creating professional technical documents. It includes guidelines on document structure, formatting, language usage, and information organization. Adhering to these requirements helps improve the overall quality and effectiveness of the documentation.

Document Structure and Formatting

ISO 55137-2014 emphasizes the importance of consistent document structure and formatting. It recommends using headings, subheadings, and numbered lists to create a logical flow and enhance readability. Additionally, font styles, sizes, and colors should be used consistently throughout the document to maintain visual coherence.

A standardized template can be followed to ensure that all technical documents adhere to a unified format. This includes page layout, margins, headers, and footers. The use of tables, figures, and graphs should also follow specific guidelines to ease comprehension and facilitate understanding of complex information.

Language Usage

Clear and concise language is essential in technical documentation. ISO 55137-2014 encourages the use of plain language and avoids jargon, acronyms, and ambiguous terms that may cause confusion for the readers. Technical terms and abbreviations should be defined when first introduced in the document.

It is important to maintain a consistent writing style and tone throughout the document. Sentences should be well-structured and paragraphs should be organized logically. Bullet points and bold text can be used to highlight important information or key takeaways.

Information Organization

The standard emphasizes the importance of organizing information in a logical and hierarchical manner. It recommends creating a table of contents, providing clear navigation within the document, and ensuring that information is presented in a sequential and coherent manner.

Sections and subsections should be used to divide content into manageable chunks, allowing readers to quickly locate specific information. Cross-references can be used to facilitate navigation between related sections or documents. Additionally, appendices and glossaries can be included to provide further clarification and definitions.

Conclusion

The ISO 55137-2014 standard plays a crucial role in promoting consistency, accuracy, and usability in technical documentation. Adhering to its guidelines ensures that technical documents meet high standards of quality, enhancing their effectiveness and user-friendliness. By following the recommendations on document structure, formatting, language usage, and information organization, professionals can create professional technical documents that effectively convey information and support users' needs.