About
Welcome again to Draft Right!
I'm Dilip Rout, a seasoned technical writer with a passion for breaking down complex ideas into clear, accessible content. Draft Right was born out of my journey in technical writing and a desire to share what I’ve learned along the way.
As I look back on my decade-long journey in technical writing, the transition from aerospace documentation to software documentation stands as a testament to the versatility and evolving nature of our profession.
The Early Days: Taking Flight in Aerospace
My technical writing journey began in 2013 at Cyient Ltd., where I worked as a Design Engineer focusing on Technical Publications. Fresh from my Aircraft Maintenance Engineering background from Flytech Aviation Academy, I found myself immersed in creating comprehensive end-user manuals and reference guides for complex aerospace systems.
The aerospace industry taught me crucial foundational skills:
-
Attention to detail: When documenting aircraft components, there's zero room for error
-
Regulatory compliance: Working with strict aviation standards and regulations
-
Technical accuracy: Converting complex engineering specifications into clear documentation
-
Structured documentation: Using Content Management Systems effectively
The Transition Phase: Landing in Software
In late 2016, I made a pivotal career move to Proxim Wireless as a Technical Writer. This marked my entry into the software and hardware documentation realm. The transition wasn't without its challenges, but my aerospace background provided unexpected advantages:
-
The systematic approach to documentation I learned in aerospace translated well to software
-
Experience with complex systems helped me grasp intricate software architectures
-
The precision required in aerospace documentation proved valuable in API and technical documentation
At Proxim, I expanded my toolkit, collaborating with development engineers, quality teams, and product managers. This role bridged my transition, as it involved both hardware and software documentation.
Soaring in Software Documentation
The journey continued through Progress Software and now at Infinite Blue (an Everbridge Company), where I've fully embraced the role of Senior Information Developer. The software industry brought new challenges and opportunities:
-
Adapting to agile development methodologies
-
Learning to document APIs and complex software systems
-
Embracing tools like DITA/XML, HTML, and SGML
-
Implementing single-sourcing and context-sensitive help systems
Key Lessons from the Journey
-
Technical writing principles are universal: Whether documenting an aircraft component or an API, the core principles of clarity, accuracy, and user-focus remain constant.
-
Adaptability is crucial: The willingness to learn new tools, technologies, and domains has been key to my growth.
-
Domain expertise is transferable: My aerospace background provided a strong foundation in technical understanding and documentation structure.
-
Collaborative skills matter: Both industries require strong collaboration with subject matter experts and various stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
The technical writing field continues to evolve, and my journey from aerospace to software documentation demonstrates the dynamic nature of our profession. Today, as a Senior Information Developer at EverBridge, I continue to leverage my diverse experience while staying current with emerging technologies and documentation trends.
For aspiring technical writers considering a domain switch, remember that your existing skills and experiences can be valuable assets. The key is to remain curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning.
Here, I offer practical insights, tutorials, and tips—from the essentials to advanced techniques—to help writers and professionals alike hone their skills. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned writer looking to enhance your expertise, DraftRight is here to support you every step of the way. Let's make technical writing more effective, engaging, and impactful!
Regards,
Email: connect@diliprout.in