What is EN 51860?

EN51860 is a technical standard that sets guidelines for the writing and presentation of technical documents. It provides a framework for creating clear, concise, and easy-to-understand content for various industries. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of EN51860 and its significance in technical communication.

The Purpose of EN51860

The purpose of EN51860 is to ensure that technical information is effectively conveyed to its intended audience. It aims to eliminate confusion, ambiguity, and misinterpretation by establishing standardized rules for organizing and presenting technical content. By following these guidelines, technical writers can create documents that are user-friendly and facilitate better understanding.

Key Elements of EN51860

EN51860 covers several important elements that contribute to the clarity and comprehensibility of technical documents.

Structure: The standard emphasizes the use of logical and hierarchical structures to organize information. This ensures that readers can easily navigate through the document and locate specific details.

Language: EN51860 recommends using plain language and avoiding unnecessary jargon and complex terminology. This helps in making the content accessible to a wider audience, including non-experts.

Visual Aids: The standard encourages the use of visual aids such as diagrams, charts, and illustrations to supplement the textual information. Visuals can enhance comprehension and make complex concepts easier to grasp.

Consistency: EN51860 highlights the importance of maintaining consistent terminology, formatting, and styles throughout a document. Consistency contributes to clarity and reduces any potential confusion or misinterpretation.

Benefits of Following EN51860

Adhering to the guidelines of EN51860 comes with several benefits:

Improved Usability: By organizing information in a clear and structured manner, documents become more user-friendly, leading to better understanding and reduced learning curve for readers.

Enhanced Clarity: Following plain language principles and avoiding technical jargon ensures that the content is easily comprehensible to a broader audience, including those without specialized knowledge.

Time and Cost Savings: Clear and well-structured documents help in streamlining processes, minimizing errors, and reducing support requests. This can lead to improved efficiency and cost savings for organizations.

Professional Image: Presenting technical information in a standardized and consistent manner enhances an organization's professional image and fosters a sense of confidence and trust among stakeholders.

In conclusion, EN51860 serves as a valuable guide for creating effective technical documents. By following its guidelines, organizations can ensure that their content is clear, concise, and easily understandable. Adhering to EN51860 can lead to improved communication, increased usability, and cost savings.