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In recent weeks, I've jumped in head-first to requirements analysis here.
I've taken it on in addition to my regular duties and I am working with a
portion of the software the management deems a super-duper sales tool, so
the pressure is ... well ... phenomenal. However, I'm also enjoying it and
getting a big bolster to my confidence.
Why are tech writers also good analysts? Many reasons.
First, we know how to interview and dig deeper than surface responses. This
is imperative because most users you talk to won't be able to easily
verbalize what they want from the software. We can use our investigative and
analytical skills to really understand the goals of the user, the workflow
they use, etc.
Second, we are user advocates so our stance is already on the right side --
making the software as simple as possible while accomplishing everything the
user needs. Our input on how to design and trim-down features can be
valuable throughout all stages of the process.
Third, we're good writers. Half of the battle of analysis is writing down
what you've researched and formulated so that everyone from management to
the techies can understand it.
Last, half the work of documentation is done. Because I wrote the
requirements, I've already done much of the research of task and user
analysis. I can simply take a look at the finished product and start
writing. Your productivity will be greatly enhanced, and you'll do the
hardest part of your work before the just-before-release crunch-time.
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