What is ISO 12812:2015?

ISO 12812:2015 is a standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that provides guidelines and requirements for writing professional technical documents. It helps ensure consistency, accuracy, and clarity in technical communication across different industries and disciplines.

Benefits of ISO 12812:2015

Adhering to the guidelines outlined in ISO 12812:2015 offers several benefits to technical writers and their readers:

Improved clarity: The standard encourages precise and unambiguous language, helping readers understand complex technical information more easily.

Enhanced consistency: ISO 12812:2015 promotes the use of consistent terminology and formatting, reducing confusion and errors in technical documents.

Increased usability: By following the standard's guidelines for document structure and layout, technical writers can create documents that are user-friendly and navigation-friendly.

Streamlined translation: The standard provides recommendations for creating multilingual documentation while minimizing translation challenges.

Key Elements of ISO 12812:2015

The standard covers various aspects of technical writing. Here are some key elements:

Document structure: ISO 12812:2015 emphasizes the importance of organizing information in a logical and hierarchical manner. It suggests using headings, subheadings, and numbered lists to enhance readability.

Writing style: The standard recommends using plain language, avoiding jargon and unnecessary technical terms. It also provides guidance on sentence structure, punctuation, and the use of abbreviations and symbols.

Graphics and illustrations: ISO 12812:2015 highlights the significance of visuals in technical documents. It advises using appropriate graphs, charts, diagrams, and photographs to supplement text-based information.

References and citations: The standard provides guidelines on referencing external sources, citing standards or regulations, and including bibliographic information.

Quality control: ISO 12812:2015 recommends proofreading, editing, and reviewing procedures to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of technical documents before publication.

By conforming to ISO 12812:2015, technical writers can create professional and reliable documentation that effectively communicates complex technical information.