Technical Description – Writing For Engineers

Assignment #4 Technical Description (14%) + Reflection Essay (3%)

For this assignment, you will produce a technical description that is a written and visual representation of an object. Engineers and scientists are often engaged in this type of technical communication in their academic or professional careers. Technical descriptions are useful in describing, in detail, how an object looks, its process, or how it works for the lay audience who may lack the specific language and knowledge of the field. It is also useful for feasibility reports, in proposal and planning, and for informing an audience of the value of specific equipment.

Technical descriptions are not simply objective reports describing how something works. They are also persuasive. You want your audience to be convinced of your accuracy, logic, and the importance of your description and product.

Technical Description Steps:

1. Choose a simple technological item and a specific brand for description: a Swingline stapler, an Apple earphone, a Parker pen, etc. Topics must be approved by the instructor.

2. Divide the item into its components: parts and subparts. Then describe each part and subpart in detail.

3. Take pictures or use images from the internet, and label them. Proper citation is required. Give every picture a figure number and a caption.

4. Your Technical Description will have the following elements:

4.1. Title page or cover sheet

4.2. Outline of the Contents

4.3. Introduction: Discuss the history of the innovation including the innovator, the need for innovation, and all relevant history and background information.

4.4. Body: Discuss the actual technical description of the innovation including the parts and descriptions. You will have to determine a logical structure: top, middle, bottom, or exterior and interior parts, etc. Use and cite Illustrations, images, and graphics.

4.5. Conclusion

4.6. References page

5. Research will be involved. References and proper citation are mandatory.

Format: APA style. 12 pt. Times New Roman, double-spaced with 1” margins. Use color only when absolutely necessary. Make sure figures and graphs are easy to read.

Include a page header, also known as a running head, at the top of every page with page numbers flush right and your title (shortened version if necessary, not to exceed 50 characters, including spacing and punctuation) flush left in all-caps.