From Word to Content Management Systems: A study of tools used by technical writers

MARTINEZ GANDARA Eduardo, PELLERIN Valentin, YANG Christian
Université Paris Cité, June 2025

Abstract
This study explores the evolving landscape of tools used by technical writers, from traditional word processors like Microsoft Word to modern Content Management Systems (CMS) such as Oxygen XML Editor and GitHub. The research is based on a survey of 38 professionals from various industries and experience levels. The study analyses how factors such as company size, documentation team structure, professional experience and translation requirements influence tool selection. The findings indicate that the adoption of tools is context-dependent, with simpler tools being favored by smaller teams and early career writers. Conversely, more complex systems are adopted by experienced professionals and large organizations managing multilingual content. The report concludes that a single tool cannot be universally applicable, and that the optimal choice depends on the specific needs and maturity of the documentation environment.

Read the full article in PDF: A study of tools used by technical writers_Research_Report

Beyond English: Rethinking technical documentation for global accessibility and readability

Noah Duprat, Eve Gury
Paris Cité University, July 2025

Abstract
As English continues to dominate the field of technical communication, the demand for accessible and translatable documentation grows. This paper studies the challenges technical writers face when creating content for international audiences, especially linguistic and cultural barriers. By considering the experiences of both native and non-native English speakers, this paper highlights the need for more inclusive and culturally sensitive writing to support clarity, readability and accessibility for diverse audiences. This contributes to the broader discourse on cross-cultural communication, offering theoretical and practical insights not only relevant to professional technical communicators but also scholars in technical communication and translation studies.

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Expectations vs. reality: A.I. in technical document writing and management

HENG Sylvie, FERREIRA DOMINGUES Stéphanie
Paris Cité University, July 2025

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence has started to make a place for itself in people’s
professional life. As an emerging solution, it evolves quickly and new features
appear every day. Consequently, past research and data on this field may not be as
relevant today as they used to be.
Focusing on the field of technical communication, this exploratory pilot study aims
to investigate the prevalence of these A.I. based solutions, and their relevance in the
work of technical writers and knowledge managers. We interviewed two
professionals to learn about what they think technical writers and knowledge
managers need in terms of A.I. features, and their views on the future of A.I.. We
also conducted a survey, this time targeted towards technical communicators to
know about if they use generative A.I., what they use and what they think about it.
Our findings indicate that companies show a strong interest in generative A.I., and
most of them are considering implementing A.I. solutions. Respondents of the
survey agree with the interviewed professionals on what is needed from A.I.
solutions: reliability and data safety. Generative A.I. should allow us to save time
and work more efficiently.

Read the full article in PDF: AI in technical document writing and management

Writing for safety: how do technical writers ensure user safety?

Oumaima Ferdaous Kaab & Coralie Avodagbe
Paris Cité University, June 2025

Abstract

Although user safety is a key part of product design, it depends not only on thoughtful product design, but also on the ability of technical writers to clearly communicate how to use the product safely and correctly. However, the role of technical writers in this area is often ignored.
This study looks at how technical writers help keep users safe through their documentation.
We focused on three high-risk sectors: transportation, enterprise software, and financial
technology. This research is positioned as an exploratory inquiry and does not aim to deliver definitive conclusions. Instead, it sheds light on practices, challenges, and emerging patterns that reveal the often invisible role of technical writers in safety.

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Alternatives to PDF in Technical Documentation

BISSA Corinne, BORDELAIS Anthony, HERIBI Kenz

Paris Cité University, July 2022

Abstract

Technical documentation has become an outstanding resource in the IT industry and the last decades have witnessed a boom of high-performance technical authoring tools.
Despite the multitude of innovative technical writing tools, it has been observed that the dominant output format remains the PDF file, invented in the 1990s.
In the sight of this sluggishness as far as innovative end-user technical documentation is concerned, questions arise: Why has the PDF output survived for so long and what justifies its supremacy over other formats? Another question is, can disruptive innovations be implemented on end-user technical documentation so as to bring about more sophisticated or user-centered output formats?
By discussing with subject matter experts, we are seeking answers to these questions. We are also seeking to explore to what extent modern technologies like virtual reality, artificial intelligence devices among other alternative formats are applicable to end-user technical documentation.

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Why do technical writers have to justify their existence?

Louise AGERON, Tanguy CACHIN, Marina FERREOL

Paris Diderot, July 15th, 2019

Abstract

With the way new technologies are evolving nowadays, technical writers appear to play an important role. Their mission is to help users understand and use a new product or software. They create content that is easy to understand to all and adapt their discourses depending on whom they are addressing their message. We noticed that technical writers, however, still struggled to justify and explain their existence. We wondered whether the profession was widely known, and realized that it was not. We then retracted a brief overview of the profession and realized that being a technical writer had many definitions to it, and the job associated with the terms were broad and different, which reinforces the identity and existence crisis. We also wondered how technical writers were seen by their colleagues, and we found out that they were not seen as a priority by many, probably because of the influence of the old workflow system where technical writers were placed last.

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What are the Stakes and Difficulties of Working with Experts?

Olympe Lebon, Althéa Geneix, Johan Lefebvre

Paris Diderot University, September 15th 2020

Abstract

A technical writer has a key role within a company. He works with people with various functions. He’s asking developers for advice and feedback to build the user guide of their product. He’s connected and dealing with every part of the team: developers, testers, managers, product experts, etc. to produce documentation that is as clear as possible for the user, and depending on the product, the user’s life can depend on his work. Most of the time, this interaction is a very rich and fulfilling experience.
But how to find the right place between the different services of a company? Communicating with developers is not always easy: they often don’t have time to spend with a technical writer. Receiving feedback from testers can be troublesome, sometimes you don’t get information unless asking clearly for it. Many uninformed people think that being a technical writer is just writing sentences and that anyone can do it. It happens sometimes that even people in their own team don’t recognize the work and the importance of the technical writer. This article explores the difficulties a technical writer can encounter when working with experts.

Read the full article in PDF: What are the Stakes and Difficulties of Working with Experts?