What is ISO 12185:2017

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental international organization that develops and publishes international standards for various industries. One of the notable standards developed by ISO is ISO 12185:2017, which focuses on technical documentation in the field of information and documentation.

of ISO 12185:2017

ISO 12185:2017 provides guidelines for creating and managing technical documentation, aiming to ensure consistency, clarity, and effectiveness. It covers a wide range of aspects, such as document structure, language style, visual elements, and information organization.

The standard emphasizes the importance of readability and accessibility of technical documents, with the goal of facilitating understanding and usage for a diverse range of users, including experts and non-experts in the subject matter.

Key Elements of ISO 12185:2017

1. Document Structure:

The standard suggests a logical and hierarchical structure for technical documents, starting with a title page, followed by an abstract, table of contents, introduction, main body, and ending with references and annexes if necessary. This standardized structure ensures easy navigation and orientation for readers.

2. Writing Style:

ISO 12185:2017 emphasizes the use of clear, concise, and jargon-free language in technical documentation. The aim is to make the content easily understandable for all readers, regardless of their background or expertise. Additionally, the standard encourages the inclusion of examples, illustrations, and graphical elements to enhance comprehension.

3. Visual Elements:

The standard provides guidelines for incorporating visual elements, such as diagrams, charts, and images, into technical documentation. It emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and consistency in visual representation to enhance the overall understanding of the content.

Benefits of Adhering to ISO 12185:2017

By following ISO 12185:2017, organizations can experience several benefits:

1. Improved Clarity and Accessibility:

The standardized approach ensures that technical documentation is easily comprehensible by users with varying levels of expertise. This clarity ultimately leads to better product usage and reduced errors due to misunderstanding.

2. Consistency and Efficiency:

ISO 12185:2017 promotes consistency in document structure, style, and format, reducing ambiguity and confusion. This facilitates faster information retrieval and improves efficiency in document creation, management, and translation.

3. Enhanced Communication:

Technical documentation that adheres to ISO 12185:2017 allows for effective communication between experts and non-experts, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration within an organization.

In conclusion, ISO 12185:2017 plays a crucial role in establishing guidelines for creating clear, comprehensive, and user-friendly technical documentation. It ensures that information is presented consistently and effectively, facilitating better understanding and usage. By adhering to this standard, organizations can greatly improve their communication, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.