Hello, my name is Rachelle.
I’m a technical writer and editor based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg and a Certificate in Technical Communication from Simon Fraser University.
I specialize in creating end-user guides and training materials that make products easier to use. As a self-professed user advocate, my work philosophy is simple: learn what your audience needs and teach them using what you learned. The key to creating quality documentation is understanding end-user perspectives.
My interest in technical writing began unexpectedly through my previous experiences helping students become better writers. During my work as a university writing tutor, I enjoyed finding ways to improve written documents and break down complex concepts into clear and concise information. Additionally, I had the privilege of co-authoring an article that was published in the Journal of Chemical Education, which provided me with an opportunity to investigate the impact of practical instructional resources and supports on learning experiences, outcomes, and design.
To sum things up, I learned that I could help others by teaching through writing—a simple yet effective way of empowering people to learn new things and achieve their goals, no matter how big or small.
To create relevant and engaging content that produces results, I apply various research methods to identify your users' specific needs and goals.
Examples:
Whether your users are experts or beginners, I create print and electronic deliverables that are easily accessible, logically organized, and visually appealing.
Examples:
I ensure that your documentation is clear, concise, and accurate by editing for coherent structure, appropriate tone and style, and correct writing mechanics.
Examples:
A how-to guide for beginner users learning how to play, record, and edit audio in Audacity.
A training manual for undergraduate chemistry students learning how to use NMR spectroscopy hardware and software in the laboratory.
A how-to guide for inexperienced air passengers learning about standard air travel procedures and experiences at the airport and onboard an airplane.
A documentation plan report that describes the content plan, resource plan, schedule, and budget for a hypothetical online banking software project.
An information design report and proof-of-concept that includes information design rationales and a persona analysis for a hypothetical hepatitis C information booklet.