he was baffled by the technical language of the instructions
Brevity is very important in technical writing. Technical writing exists for one main purpose: to relate specific information and instructions.
The term 'interpretation' in relation to technical writing means the oral translation in another language. Technical writing is the writing of formal instructions or manuals.
Writing instructions for use and maintenance of machinery.
Technical writing is used in a variety of technical and occupation fields.
The purpose of technical writing is to inform the reader of something. A technical writer needs to be able to write instructions, concepts, principles, and details in a clear, concise way.
Writing can be classified as technical when the subject matter purports to be of a technical nature, e.g., operating instructions for appliances, support text to architectural drawings, and computer application guidelines.
Technical writing is a way to convey a set of instructions, directions for doing something, or an explanation of specifications with a technical aspect to it. An example would be a user manual or assembly directions.
Technical writers, also called technical communicators, put technical information into easily understandable language. They work primarily in information-technology-related industries, coordinating the development and dissemination of technical content for a variety of users;however, a growing number of technical communicators are using technical content to resolvebusiness communications problems in a diversifying number of industries. Included in their products are operating instructions, how-to manuals, assembly instructions, and other documentation needed for online help and by technical support staff, consumers, and other users within the company or industry.
Formal technical writing is primarily used for instruction or direction manuals. An example of formal technical writing would be the instructions that come with a piece of pre-fabricated furniture.
http://www.compcams.com/Technical/Instructions/Files/179.pdf
Hardcopy technical manuals are intended for detailed information about the operation, installation, and troubleshooting of technical equipment. They often include schematics, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions for maintenance and repair.