Technical Writing
Project Overview
This particular white paper for a pseudo-company, Aspen Solar, focuses on the benefits of solar panels for a residential home.
Project Background
This project focused on using research, design, and writing skills for a white paper on a topic of our choice. I used Microsoft Word to develop a document marketing solar panels while advertising Aspen Solar.
Programs used: Microsoft Word
Project Goals
- Understand the purpose of a white paper.
- Learn document design through Microsoft Word.
- Think about the "why" factor.
Method
Before I started on the white paper, I brainstormed about a topic to choose that would garner attention from an audience. I decided to do solar panels since green energy is slowly making its way to the South. Afterward, I listed out some of the key features and benefits of solar panels in a separate document.
In the eyes of a homeowner, I imagined that they were most likely worried about costs and energy consumption. Much of the information included in the white paper had topics about tax breaks, brands, and real estate. I then used copyright-free images of solar panels on homes with blue and green to emphasize the "green" part of the project.
Key Takeaways
Completing this project was no easy task. There are many ways I could have written and designed this white paper. If given the time and opportunity, I would use Adobe InDesign to design a better white paper. Additionally, I want to conduct an interview with homeowners in the area to understand what they would prefer in a document about solar panels.
Especially since it's a big money investment and they have experiences that I do not have. They may provide some insight into how they feel about green energy and its costs.