Reflection

In this assignment, I was tasked with writing a document that deconstructed an existing product and gave a technical description of the functioning of each part, emphasizing its purpose and importance to the product as a whole. As one of the first and more challenging assignments of the course, I learned the different aspects of writing a technical document with respect to both process and format. Process elements I learned in writing a technical document include knowing how and what to research, effective ways of actually writing the document, editing, and most importantly properly planning and scheduling the writing process as well as completing each stage of it. Formatting elements I learned in writing a technical document include well crafting the flow of a document and really knowing how each section plays an important role in how the audience receives and understands the information being communicated. In addition, other critical pieces like the use of images to further inform an audience, intentional use of font size and style, and spacing of text were all important lessons I learned while crafting this document.

Writing this paper was very fulfilling and also difficult for me. When it comes to writing a technical description, I have learned that a good understanding of the time you will be describing is required, and you almost have to study each element of the item. My original topic was the way packet switching works in the sharing of information on the internet. Because there are so many technologies on the internet and different layers, with each abstracting another,  I was unable to concisely convey the process without leaving out details that would have been important for the audience to know. I, therefore, ended up switching to an item technical description in the form of the LED light bulb. The initial research was hard as I had to research diodes which in themselves entail an understanding of physics. Providing a product history and introduction was not hard but explaining how a product works was the hardest part. This was because a crucial part of my product needed some physics or engineering knowledge to be able to fully convey how it works. 

Going forward, I will definitely be using the document format we were instructed to use in the future as it was a structure that well suits these types of documents and really helps keep the document organized and naturally follows how someone interested in a product would want to gain information about the product. Furthermore, the use of images is very useful especially when your topic is technical as it helps to visualize the item you are describing. 

Lastly, I have learned that allocating enough time to research and editing is very crucial for technical papers. I spent way more time finding sources and organizing my notes than actually understanding the information conveyed by the sources that negatively impacted my schedule for editing and submitting the document.