Focused conversation: Interacting with developers

It's time to reconnect with other documentarians! Join us for a focused and friendly conversation about interacting with developers:

Developers (or engineers, or programmers) are often our main source of information about how a product works. When technical writers need to document a new (or updated) feature, we interview developers to bridge the gap between a ticket description and what the user will actually do with this thing. But developers' focus is deep in the weeds of the code, far from the end user's experience.

Let's share ways to get the information you need to make your docs accurate and complete.

• What sources of information do you use before you consult with a developer?
• How does your engineering team view docs and technical writing?
• What's challenging about interviewing developers? How do you compensate or adapt?
• What methods do you use to get useful information from developers about the things they build?
• Is there a review process for docs at your workplace? To what extent are developers involved?
• Communication can be easier when the person you’re communicating with knows you. How did you build relationships with developers when you were new to your organization? And if you’ve been at your organization for a while, how do you build relationships with new developers?

Bring your thoughts and questions, and attend for as long as your schedule allows. Our goal is to give you an opportunity to support and network with each other.

The discussion will be held on Zoom, and the link will be posted on the Meetup event by the previous evening. To attend, please RSVP to the Meetup event. We use the attendees list to screen out Zoom bombers, so it's especially helpful if you have the same display name in Zoom as your name on Meetup.