Balancing Graphics and Text in Technical Docs – James Birkinshaw, Oracle

In this episode of Knowledge Base Ninjas, we have James Birkinshaw, Principal Technical Writer at Oracle. He shares his unique journey into technical writing, starting from drafting and design to discovering his passion for clear communication. Inspired by the book How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive for the Complete Idiot, James combined his interests in writing, computer science, and design to build a successful career. He highlights the critical role of understanding your audience before writing and emphasizes that illustrations should complement, not replace, the text. James discusses how a thoughtful balance between visuals and text creates more impactful documentation. He also touches on the role of AI in technical writing, noting that while AI can enhance efficiency, human writers remain essential for ensuring accuracy and clarity. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of designing scalable graphics, keeping internationalization and localization in mind. The episode offers practical advice, real world insights, and thought-provoking conversations about the evolving relationship between visuals and technical documentation.