How to Write a Technical Description Paper Describing Something

A technical description paper defines and explains a particular product or process by creating a clear picture of it, using words and visuals. Typical subjects for a technical description paper include the structure of an automobile or the process of nuclear fusion. You can find technical descriptions in textbooks, instruction or installation manuals or documents that relay information for proper use, repair or understanding of an object or concept.

Creating a Technical Description

Determine the profile of your technical description paper's audience, as this largely influences your choice of vocabulary. For example, a technical description in an advanced engineering textbook should use highly technical terms since readers are in their third or fourth year of college or in an apprenticeship. A brief description of the purpose and function of a circuit breaker for a homeowner — in case of a surge — should use familiar terms and easy-to-understand visuals.

Assess the needs of your audience. Ask yourself what your reader want to get out of this document. A technical description in an instruction manual only needs to include information useful to a person trying to repair something. A description in a textbook should provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects of a process.

Organizing a Technical Description

Create an organizational scheme for your technical description paper. A “spatial” sequence aids in describing how an object looks, a “functional” sequence explains how something works and a “chronological” sequence helps when writing steps in a process. Create a title for your description paper and subheadings for all sections.

Fill in the section under each subheading with the appropriate information in full sentences. Write sentences clearly and to the point; technical communication should not contain flowery or creative prose. Begin new paragraphs whenever you broach a new idea. You can use short paragraphs of only one or two sentences in technical writing.

Adding Visuals to a Technical Descriptions

Decide on visuals to include in your technical description. As the cliché goes, a picture says a thousand words; sometimes, a picture suffices where words do not. Additionally, some people are visual learners and a picture clarifies the concepts the words in a description should convey.