The following portfolio includes five artifacts from a variety of projects I’ve created while working towards my master’s degree.

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Single Source Publishing

I worked with a team to create a single source proof-of-concept for the fictitious Tech Company. We used Madcap Flare and Madcap Central to create a searchable knowledge base, as well as two print installation and configuration guides implementing topic-based authoring, for Tech Company’s enterprise-class server, Zen4. We also wrote a cover letter to accompany the deliverables. Samples of our final artifacts are shown below.

Screencasting

I completed an individual screencasting project using Camtasia to record and edit a two-minute quick start video guide adhering to principles of minimalism in documentation. I developed skills in creating video help for technology users, as well as in preproduction and postproduction. The final screencasting video is linked above, and the script and storyboard I developed is embedded below.

iFixit Fast Fix Instructions

I completed an instructional project through iFixit EDU as part of my coursework for Dr. Erin Friess’ class on the principles of technical communication. We created individual Fast Fix guides instructing users how to repair household items by partnering with iFixit EDU. I created a guide with written and visual content that demonstrates how to pick up a dropped stitch in a knitted garment. My submission was recognized as an exceptional submission and tagged by iFixit as a Featured Student Guide.

Technical Style Lecture

One of my assignments was to select a topic from the TECM 2700 textbook, Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace, by Laura J. Gurak and John M. Lannon, and create a slide deck for a lecture on the topic. I chose to discuss technical style—specifically, editing for conciseness. Conciseness is one of my favorite communication topics to learn about and discuss. My goal was to create a presentation and accompanying activity that would span a 60-minute class period. The final presentation is embedded below.

Content Strategy Roadmap Report

Several of my class projects simulated real-world situations and required us to deliver content that would meet or exceed the expectations of a client in a business setting. In Dr. Kim Sydow-Campbell’s Digital Content Strategies class, we collaborated with a real client (Company A) to gain practical experience in evaluating content strategy. As a group, our job was to conduct a content assessment on a sample of these user guides provide actionable recommendations on strengthening Company A’s content strategy. From there, I wrote an individual content strategy report providing actionable recommendations for Company A to improve their content strategy. The final report is embedded below.