Is technical writing the same as technical communication?

When discussing my profession, I am often asked the question, “What is technical communication?  Is it the same as technical writing?” While technical writing is a specialty in the field of technical communication, it is not all-inclusive of the field.  Technical communication, as defined by the Society of Technical Communication, is a broad field that encompasses any form of communication about technical topics. Specialties in the field include technical writing, UX design,  usability, web design, instructional design, digital strategist, among many others.

The definition of technical communication has expanded in the digital age

Technical communication has been in existence for a very long time.  Some debate when technical communication was recognized as a profession.  Some state it was during the time of Aristotle, others claim it took root during World War I in creating instructions on military equipment. However, technical communication has been in existence far longer.  In retrospect, technical communication has been in existence since mankind has explained technology from how to hunt, to how to build a home, to how to manage content in digital platforms.  As mankind has advanced technology, the scope of the term technical communication has broadened.  With the invention of the computer and the advancement of software technology, technical communication has encompassed creating and managing content on many digital platforms and interfaces.  Therefore, the technical communicator creates content in many ways,  including content management systems, websites, APIs, virtual assistants, etc. In addition, technical communication is not merely the environment in which content is created or managed.  Technical communication also pertains to the particular role which can be multidisciplinary.  One of the great benefits of technical communication is the fact that it encompasses many industries.  One can use technical communication skills across many industries including finance, pharmaceutical, higher education, graphic design, etc.