Comment on our article

We received this comment on our article "The death of the Technical Author?"

Comments: Interesting evaluation of the changing role of the 'Technical Author' but I don't agree with the use of the expression 'Information Designer' in the context of "Explaining technical information to a non-technical audience". The advertising and marketing profession in general provides 'Information Design' when originating brochure layout and developing documentation stylesheets, etc. and it is the understanding of desk top publishing that is the skill required for today's 'Information Design'.

The real meaning of 'Information Design' is best illustrated by the London Underground Map where all the information required by the reader has been creatively designed and presented with simplicity and relevant accuracy. In my experience, very few technical authors are capable of the creativity required for true 'Information Design'.

'Information Communicator' is perhaps a more appropriate expression for a technical Author to adopt if they don't want to be recognised as a 'technical' communicator.

Please preserve the word 'design' for where it belongs, alongside creativity and ingenuity.

Is he right?