A Technical Communicator’s Role in the Future of Emerging Technologies

Abstract

This research explores the roles, responsibilities, and duties of a technical communicator across varying fields involved with emerging technologies. The purpose of this study was to become more informed about how a technical communicator’s career will change and evolve over the next few years. To find this out, I interviewed 10 people who currently serve as either a technical communicator, someone who works with emerging technologies, or both. Interviews lasted anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes and were conducted in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing software. Those interviewed included two technical writers at a medical device company, one freelancer, one 3D printing engineer, one augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) specialist, one university professor, two technical writers at software companies, one technical writer from a fitness equipment company, and one physician with a background in medical devices and engineering. Interviewees answered a series of 15 questions regarding technical communication, emerging technology, current and past job duties, software programs, and smart devices. Answers were collected and results were examined to provide an educated guess as to what the career of a technical communicator using emerging technologies like smart devices, 3D printers, or AR/VR will look like in the near future.