Writing Surveys to Collect Technical Information at Organizations

I have recently finished writing a number of surveys to acquire technical information from users. I actually love creating surveys because I learn a great deal about asking all the right questions for the information I need. They are also a collaborative effort sometimes involving quite a few individuals from subject matter experts to management.I thought I would write about it because I think this aspect of technical communication is rarely thought about. Here's what I have learned on creating surveys from my recent batch of them. I'm not getting technical like the type of instrument such using a Likert scale, but more in the area of basic ideas to keep in mind.

1. Focus on writing a quality survey. Talk to your subject matter experts for research
2. Do some usability testing - this step for me really counts. I find having a few people in your target audience try out the survey really helps.
3. Change it as necessary - feel free to change or customize a survey for best results, especially if users test and you discover readability issues.
4. Never assume users understand the questions. Make sure you rid yourself of a question if it isn't meeting the scope of the survey or standards you work by.
5. Keep an open-minded attitude on the survey and the data collected. This is definitely something I learned getting my doctorate. Also watch for outliers and think about them. You may or may not want to discard them but don't ignore them.
6. Focus on data and metrics that are actionable. Remember you need results to tell you something about what you are asking.
7. Finally, get more involved feedback from users, subject matter experts etc. That way you can continuously modify if the survey is ongoing.

Now my approach for my current surveys  is slightly different from research I have conducted for academic data collection I have performed in so far as I am involved with far more individuals while designing the survey than I was in grad school. This means there will be far more compromises on the questions as far as rigid research standards go but I do find better data collection usually takes place because as everyone works together better questions are formed to retrieve the data organizational management wants. The one thing that doesn't differ however, is the grave attention to detail. That is a must for any survey. 

Edward Tufte

One of my students in my Information Design Course reminded me of Edward Tufte and a course he had taken with Mr. Tufte. It reminded me of how inspirational and thought provoking his work is. I thought I would mention him because I feel he makes working in a technical field creative without losing focus. It reminds me we are visual creatures no matter how technical we get. His site is at http://www.edwardtufte.com/tufte/

Student surveys on their Digital Experience...

I have a colleague that shared the fact he conducts a survey at the beginning of the semester with his students on their digital experience. I thought this was brilliant. He shares the fact that he can use this information to better tailor the students' educational experience. He uses the survey results to assign study groups, let students see how their background compares to others, and as classwork to study.

I really like the idea gathering data to help students and allowing it to be multipurpose. As a teacher and adjunct faculty I think this could be a really great tool  to enhance the learning experience of many students. 

FEMA course materials for tech writing

I thought this was a great discovery. FEMA's Emergency Management Institute has a class in technical writing. There is free course materials as well. The core of the course promises to:

1.Identify the proper use of research in training project development.
2.Describe the various characteristics of written communications.
3.Explain the communication features of graphics and visual media.

IS-613: Technical Writing

Sentence structure of technical writing - MIT

I found this little presentation web crawling last night and I thought I would post it. I like this presentation because it is information on technical writing from the perspective of writing as a scientist. I basically teach the same principles in my advanced tech writing course at CalState but I smiled at the examples in the Simplicity: Use Details Wisely section. My favorite mantra is clear, concise, & cohesive.

I particularly like the Language Ambiguity section!

Link:
http://web.mit.edu/me-ugoffice/communication/technical-writing.pdf

AMWA Conference

I was finally getting back to my email - it has a tendency to stack up. When I saw an email on the upcoming conference for the American Medical Writers Association's (AMWA's) 73rd Annual Conference, being held 6-9 November 2013 in Columbus, OH. Since I haven't posted in a while I thought I would post this info  for those interested. I don't write for medical related pubs at this time but I thought there are those out there who do might want to attend. (FYI - STC members get $$ off registering.)

Link:
http://www.amwa.org/events_annual_conference

Do you have a good attitude at work?

I got an article in email on working with difficult personalities at work and how it can shorten your life. I have seen some similar issues that not only have an effect on health but on the quality of work and motivation. I think that it is worth a read and giving some thought to how attitude affects our work and lives.

http://www.phoenixfocus.com/2013-02/dealing-difficult-coworkers/?utm_source=pf_email_february13&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Alumnus