What is ISO 19701:2018?

ISO 19701:2018 is a standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that serves as a guide for writing professional technical articles. It outlines the structure, formatting, and content requirements to ensure the articles are clear, concise, and of high quality. This standard is widely adopted by professionals in various industries, including engineering, computer science, and medical research.

Content Structure and Organization

One of the key aspects of ISO 19701:2018 is the defined structure for technical articles. It suggests organizing the content into sections such as Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. This helps readers easily navigate the article and grasp the main points of each section. By following this structure, authors can ensure that their articles provide a logical flow of information, making it easier for readers to understand and follow along.

Formatting and Citations

Another important aspect of ISO 19701:2018 is the formatting requirements. The standard provides guidelines on font size, line spacing, margins, and other formatting elements. By adhering to these guidelines, authors can ensure consistency across different technical articles and publications. Additionally, the standard emphasizes the importance of proper citations, referencing other works, and acknowledging sources of information. This not only gives credit to the original authors but also allows readers to access additional resources for further study.

Clarity and Conciseness

ISO 19701:2018 stresses the importance of clarity and conciseness in technical articles. It encourages authors to use simple and straightforward language to convey their ideas. Technical terms should be defined or explained so that readers from different backgrounds can understand them. Additionally, the standard advises against excessive jargon or unnecessary technical details that may confuse or overwhelm readers. Clear and concise writing improves the readability and accessibility of technical articles, making them more useful to a wider audience.