Documentation Plan Example
Please note that this example might not cover all the specific details of your project, but it should serve as a good starting point. You can modify it as necessary to fit your particular situation.
Here's a sample Documentation Plan for your project:
The goal of this project is to redesign and consolidate dozens of documents created by non-technical writers into a clear, consistent, and comprehensive online User Manual for an application, which will be available online. This manual aims to improve user experience and streamline information access.
- Technical Writing Department
- [New Department]
- End-users of the application
- [Your Name], Lead Technical Writer
- [Any additional team members]
- Identify and review existing documents
- Create a content inventory and gap analysis
- Develop a new information architecture for the online User Manual
- Write, edit, and format the content
- Develop and integrate graphics, screenshots, and other multimedia elements
- Implement the online User Manual
- Test and validate the User Manual
- Publish and maintain the User Manual
- Content inventory and gap analysis report
- Information architecture proposal
- Drafts of individual chapters or sections
- Final online User Manual
- Documentation review and update schedule
- Initial meeting with the new department: [Date]
- Content inventory and gap analysis: [Date range]
- Information architecture proposal: [Date range]
- Drafting chapters/sections: [Date range]
- Review and revisions: [Date range]
- Documentation platform implementation: [Date range]
- Testing and validation: [Date range]
- Final publication: [Date]
- Internal review by the Technical Writing Department
- Review by the new department's designated Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
- Incorporation of feedback and revisions
- Final approval by the project stakeholders
- [Any additional software or tools you might need]
- Access to existing documents and application information
- Regular meetings and communication with the new department
- Insufficient information or access to existing documents: Establish clear communication channels and request access to all necessary information from the new department.
- Changes to the application during the documentation process: Regularly communicate with the new department to stay up-to-date with any changes and adjust the documentation accordingly.
- Scope creep or unclear expectations: Define the project scope and deliverables clearly in this documentation plan and keep stakeholders informed about the progress and any potential changes.
The online User Manual will require periodic updates to ensure its accuracy and relevance. A review and update schedule will be developed to address this need. The Technical Writing Department will work closely with the new department to ensure the User Manual remains an effective resource for end-users.
