Types of technical and business documentation
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 Searching for information has moved from a good to a critical feature for data and content. Today's search literally touches every aspect of an organization’s information infrastructure.

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Why it matters

Each document type solves a different type of human learning need. Designing the right type to match the need solves many use cases such as on-boarding, learning your solution paths, deep dives for corner cases, options for specific or general help, etc.

Documentation is not one thing. Choose the right mix for your users, your team, and your business stage. 
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Think of your doc set as a toolkit that includes guides, specs, proposals, test plans, etc. Each type has a clear purpose and audience.
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Choosing the right combination saves time, improves user experience, and strengthens both internal operations and market reputation.
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EXAMPLE: Organized lists of doc types ​
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Document type: Technical information types

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​Click to see a Information file types-extended view guide describes how each type serves:

• your audience focus and needs
• the document type purpose

The guide lists a variety of documentation types, then explains each category in detail.

Tell me what doc type you are most concerned about.

• Structured documents:  tagged files, spreadsheets, databases, etc.
• Unstructured documents: flat files such as letters, emails, reports, marketing and training materials, studies, engineering drawings, handwritten consultation notes, meeting minutes, etc.