Ways to Organize Technical Information

1. Spatial Organization

Basically you are going for visual detail here. Excellent if you need to supplement information in a diagram, or help your reader picture something- say, a piece of equipment.

2. From simple to complex

An excellent choice if you’re teaching a concept or process. Start with basic information, gradually adding layers of complexity.

3. Sequential Order

This organizational structure makes sense if your reader needs to follow specific steps in precise order.

4. Problem-Solution

Here’s an opportunity to outline a difficulty or challenge- as you see it- then propose a solution that makes sense. This, at the core, is the organizational structure of most proposals.

5. Chronological Order

A common structure that isn’t just for stories. It’s good any time you need to document what occurred and when.

6. Alphabetical Order

A good choice for a glossary of terms or any small bits of information which are not really related except in the most general sense (e.g., terms relating to astronomy).

7. Key Points or Questions

You may have six key points to make about new corporate procedures- or you may anticipate five key questions most patients have about a given medical procedure. Simply go through them systematically.

8. Deductive Reasoning

Begin with your main point or logical conclusion and support it with evidence. Usually, it makes sense to save your strongest argument for last- but don’t begin weakly, or you’ll lose them.

9. Inductive Reasoning

Just the opposite of deductive: Begin with the evidence- examples, anecdotes, whatever- and try to lead your reader to the conclusion you wish him/her to draw.