dCS Audio – Ongoing technical writing and localization partnership
When did we work with dSC Audio?
2019 – ongoing
What did we do?
Technical writing services, content operations consultancy, and provided training.
How many projects have we completed for dCS Audio?
30+
Key stats
4
Number of product ranges covered. Each range requiring at least 3 different document types.
5
Languages we localized dCS Audios documentation into.
The impact for dCS:
- Provided ongoing, end-to-end technical content services.
- dCS has a fully outsourced documentation partner.
What was the context for 3di helping dCS Audio?
Founded in 1987, dCS Audio has spent over 30 years redefining the boundaries of digital audio, developing a succession of pioneering products and technologies that present sound with every last nuance intact.
Lina is the first dCS system purpose-built for headphone listening. Designed to drive a vast range of headphones, and deliver incredible sound from all digital recordings, it offers the ultimate sonic experience for headfi connoisseurs.
With the launch of its new ‘Varèse’ range, dCS needed high-quality documentation that fitted with its premium brand. They also needed to cater for users with different levels of expertise – from technically astute audiophiles to complete beginners. dCS needed documentation that would help advanced users get the most from the product, without alienating those with less technical knowledge of audio equipment. The approach also needed to support easy translation as dCS has customers worldwide.
The challenges dSC Audio faced
Due to the timeframe for launch, documentation had to be created while the product was still in development, so features and best practice could and did change as the product evolved. This, coupled with the fact that the authoring team would have limited time with the product, meant that there needed to be good communication with the development team, as well as a robust process for learning the intricacies of the product.
Are you facing similar challenges with your documentation?
The solution 3di created for dSC Audio
The 3di team:
- Looked at dCS’s requirements, and provided consultancy to advise on the best approach to creating the content needed.
- Recommended a mix of text and simple graphics, visual elements and a tone of voice that were consistent with the dCS brand.
- Aligned a content plan with the development of the product to make sure documentation was efficiently created with minimum revisions.
- Used MadCap Flare as the authoring tool and publishing tool that made it easy to create PDF and HTML outputs.
- Provided a Localization service into three languages: Japanese, Korean and Chinese.
The results of the collaboration between 3di and dSC Audio
The 3di team:
- Provided a seamless authoring and localization service, giving dCS a single, full-service provider for both their authoring and translation requirements.
- Delivered documentation for the Lina and Varèse ranges during their development, allowing dCS’s internal teams to focus their resources on getting products ready for launch.
- Prepared a final, print-ready Safety & Compliance Guides and Setup Guides, as well as PDF and HTML User Guides for their website.