Other writing

Conceptual writing: Versioning

Challenge

Mindjet Mindmanager was introducing version control to its mind mapping software. While developers would be familiar with version control software, Mindjet’s enterprise business customers might not be. And versioning can be a bit complicated.

Solution

To ensure that users had the basic concepts down, I created a short video introducing versioning and demonstrating its use in the product.

Conceptual Writing: Explaining LDAC

Challenge

Commercial air conditioning is a $100 billion industry—and one of the largest consumers of electricity. Liquid Desiccant Air Conditioning (LDAC) is an extremely energy-efficient way to cool air, especially in large commercial facilities like supermarkets, shopping malls, hospitals, and industrial plants. But what is it? How does it work? And why does it work so well?

To consider trying this innovation, potential customers needed to understand what it did.

Solution

First, I asked the engineers, and they gave me a psychometric chart. (Um … not helpful, guys.)

Through interviews with technicians, salespeople, and other SMEs (subject matter experts), I started to recognize a powerful message, and created a short, animated PowerPoint presentation to test-drive that message with clients (top movie).

Eventually, we used that PowerPoint as a storyboard for an effective video that clearly illustrated the value of the technology (bottom movie). This movie was used at trade shows, got us favorable press—and allowed potential customers to realize why they needed an LDAC.

Medical Writing: Working with Breast Cancer

Challenge

Employers wish to deal fairly and compassionately when one of their workers is diagnosed with cancer. But there can be a huge learning curve: labor laws, benefits and health insurance, medical terminology. How could the California Chambers of Commerce (CCC) support employers facing with this challenge?

Solution

The CCC commissioned the Northern California Cancer Center to tackle one specific diagnosis (breast cancer) that was showing up increasingly in the workplace. The result was a resource-filled workbook, Working with Breast Cancer: Workplace Guidelines and Solutions, provided free to employers. Because I served as editor for Breast Cancer Connection’s monthly newsletter, weaving together articles from leading physicians, researchers, and advocates, I was asked to handle three portions of the workbook: an overview of medical terminology and the diagnosis and treatment process; a listing of resource within the state; a collection of short case studies culled from interviews I did with cancer survivors.

Explanatory writing: How television shows are produced

Challenge

The editor of Exploring (a member’s magazine for the Exploratorium science museum) wanted an article targeted to families and teens to accompany an upcoming exhibit on television and radio.

Solution

My article for Exploring explained how a 30-minute sitcom is written and produced, what a shooting schedule looks like, and yes, explained what a “best boy” is. (Everyone wants to know that …)