Interested in learning more about the Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA)? I recommend that all information developers at least break the surface. Regardless of whether you plan to adopt DITA, you can benefit from studying it. You can even borrow from its lean, efficient writing model.
I have been a fan of modular, “chunked” writing since I took an Information Mapping (IM) course years ago. Although I see value in using IM, I prefer DITA’s open, simplified, XML-based model. I appreciate its emphasis on standardization and content reuse. I like the flexibility for using specialized information types. Although none of my clients have adopted DITA, I study it because I have a driven fascination with information architecture and structure.
Toe in the Water or Swan Dive?
Most of the available information about DITA is on the web, but at least three DITA-related books have been released (as far as I know). Each of the following titles is a great resource for neophytes who find the formal specification a bit intimidating but who would like to learn more about—and possibly even experiment with—DITA.
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dita
Lately I have been especially tuned in to the lively exchanges about the future of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) and the future of technical communication in general. I contributed comments to some of the discussions.
The STC certainly has formidable challenges. The field of technical communication now comprises many professions, and each profession has its own specific needs. Increased specialization has given rise to organizations that are geared to more focused practitioners. I belong to two of those organizations: the Information Architecture Institute and the Usability Professionals Association.
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stc
During the last couple of weeks, my partner and I moved our home and office to Alexandria, VA. We are still living out of boxes and wondering where to find some of our stuff. At least we’re here and our stuff is here, wherever in the condo it might be.
To reward ourselves for surviving the move, we are spending next week with family on the North Carolina coast. I plan to do a lot of reading and relaxing. And I expect to be berated by my family for my choice of reading material. They don’t consider what I read to be conducive to relaxation. I simply like to read non-fiction and technical books. So as I select books to take along, I have considered subjects ranging from sociology to usable design to taxonomy development.
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