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Writing for your audience
This article highlights three common documentation errors: explaining what users already know, detailing things they can't control, and failing to explain non-obvious yet crucial information. It stresses that such "noise" frustrates users, increases costs, and indicates a fundamental failure to prioritize user needs in documentation.
Vinay Payyapilly
Jun 302 min read
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Minimalistic documentation
Stop documenting basic tasks! Your microwave manual nails it: 80% cooking, 20% how-to. Software docs often flip this, acting as a band-aid for bad UI. Focus on complex "secondary scenarios" and let friction-free design speak for itself. Documentation isn't a safety net; it's a tactical weapon. Use its limited ammo wisely, or it's just noise.
Vinay Payyapilly
Jun 24 min read
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Acing that interview
Want to ace your next interview? Here's your cheat sheet: research the company, interviewer, and your projects.
Vinay Payyapilly
Apr 93 min read
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How to make your job application irresistible
Struggling to get hired? Here's how to make your application stand out.
Vinay Payyapilly
Mar 313 min read
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Rethinking product documentation in the age of user experience
When someone complains about poor documentation, they’re usually looking for something that isn’t a straightforward process.
Vinay Payyapilly
Mar 33 min read
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Two approaches to AI: External engagement and internal empowerment
AI initiatives fall into external (customer-facing) and internal (efficiency-driven).
Vinay Payyapilly
Feb 32 min read
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Why putting help behind a sign-on is a bad idea
Hiding Help docs behind a sign-in harms discovery, limits prospects, and doesn't deter competitors.
Vinay Payyapilly
Dec 9, 20242 min read
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Pageviews: A misleading metric
Pageviews can mislead about documentation quality. Focus on user experience for true insights.
Vinay Payyapilly
Dec 3, 20241 min read
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UX Writing – The bus that technical writers missed
Tech writers missed the UX bus, but it’s not too late—there’s still time to jump in, collaborate early, and make a real impact.
Vinay Payyapilly
Nov 4, 20245 min read
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Success without a map - Lessons from my journey
Success isn’t always planned. Embrace uncertainty, work hard, keep learning, and be ready when luck strikes. Life’s path isn’t always linear
Vinay Payyapilly
Oct 28, 20245 min read
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The art of interviewing: Answering "Why this company?" effectively
Prepare for the "Why this company?" interview question by aligning your skills, research, and growth potential with company needs.
Vinay Payyapilly
Sep 23, 20242 min read
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Resumes that shine: Crafting resumes that get noticed
The post emphasizes showcasing impact over tasks in resumes, urging applicants to highlight their contributions and measurable achievements.
Vinay Payyapilly
Sep 16, 20242 min read
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The AI revolution in Product documentation: What to expect
Way back in the early 2010s, I remember explaining my concept of a perfect Help site as a collection of documents in a bucket with no...
Vinay Payyapilly
Jul 28, 20242 min read
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Writing in the age of AI: Why basic skills still matter
Technological tools enhance but don't replace fundamental writing skills, emphasizing the need for skilled writers despite advancements.
Vinay Payyapilly
Jul 22, 20242 min read
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Inside the Writer's Job Market: Tips and Tales from a Hiring Manager
The article emphasizes the importance of meticulous preparation and attention to detail in the job application process for writers.
Vinay Payyapilly
Jul 1, 20244 min read
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Navigating the AI revolution: What’s next for product documenters
Exploring how GAI is set to revolutionize the role of product documenters, transform the landscape of documentation and user guides.
Vinay Payyapilly
Jun 17, 20244 min read
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Why helping others grow is the secret to your success
Discover how letting go and empowering others can unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth."
Vinay Payyapilly
Jun 10, 20242 min read
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Support conversations informing documentation approaches
As product documenters, it is our remit to solve customer queries without making them reach out to the support team. But figuring out...
Vinay Payyapilly
Jun 3, 20242 min read
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Beyond procedures: Modernizing technical writing for user efficiencyÂ
Much of the documentation we churn out today is mostly aimed at procedures and troubleshooting
Vinay Payyapilly
May 27, 20243 min read
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The New Frontier of AI-Enhanced Documentation
The technical writing or product documentation team must step in to add information about impacts, considerations, and gotchas.
Vinay Payyapilly
May 13, 20242 min read
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