Graduate Certificate in Technical and Professional Communication (GCERT in TPC): Portfolio

Introduction

Welcome to my GCERT in TPC portfolio, where I highlight key projects that demonstrate my skills in Technical and Professional Communication. My work emphasizes user-centered design, ethical communication, and social justice topics. From conducting website audits to exploring feminist and ecofeminist perspectives, each project reflects my commitment to inclusive, effective communication.

User-Centered Audit with Recommendations

This project served as the final assignment for ENGL 502: Technical and Professional Communication, taught by Dr. Tiffany Bourelle. For this project, I was tasked with selecting a website in need of redesign, and I chose the Albuquerque Public Library website. Applying core principles of Technical Communication, I conducted a comprehensive user-centered audit and developed a set of design recommendations aimed at improving usability and user experience.

My process began with a comparative analysis of successful library website redesigns, such as the Seattle Public Library's website, to identify industry best practices. I then created user personas and mapped out their specific needs as a foundational step. To gain a deeper understanding of user challenges, I conducted an empathy map session focused on a persona representing a senior citizen. This exercise helped me uncover key insights into her thoughts, feelings, pain points, and overall experience with the website.

Usability Test Plan and Recommendations

The plan included participant demographics, research methodologies, user tasks, and targeted questions. The findings from this research led to a series of actionable recommendations to enhance the website’s functionality and better meet the needs of its diverse user base.

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Annotated Bibliography and Final Presentation

In ENGL 535: Ethics in Technical and Professional Communication, I chose a topic that examines a social justice issue in relation to ethics in technical communication. My chosen topic, Contributions of Women in Environmental Advocacy: A Feminist and Ecofeminist Perspective for Technical Communicators, explores how feminist and ecofeminist theories highlight the intersection of gender oppression and environmental degradation.

Contributions of Women in Environmental Advocacy – A Feminist and Ecofeminist Perspective for Technical Communicators

This presentation, along with the annotated bibliography, delves into the pivotal roles played by women in environmental activism, showcasing influential figures such as Rachel Carson, Malala Yousafzai, Wangari Maathai, and Greta Thunberg. 

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Challenging Patriarchy & Anthropocentrism

It emphasizes how their efforts challenge patriarchal structures and anthropocentric paradigms, while also underscoring the critical need for recognizing women's contributions to environmental justice.

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Feminist Perspectives in Communication

The presentation illustrates how integrating feminist perspectives can enrich technical communication practices, fostering more inclusive and impactful advocacy for social and environmental change.

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A Humanistic Approach: Student-Led Discussion

In my ENGL 535: Ethics in Technical and Professional Communication presentation, I explored key ethical communication concepts based on the works of various authors. I discussed how communication has the power to shape society and history, either promoting justice or causing harm. The presentation emphasized that ethical communication requires considering the context, consequences, and impact of our choices on others.

I also referenced Steven Katz’s (1992) critique, which sparked a shift in technical communication to more rigorously address ethical concerns. This shift led to the integration of ethics alongside traditional topics like audience analysis and web design, influencing how ethics is now taught in technical communication courses (Dragga, 1997; Katz, 1992).

Analyzing Real-World Examples

I created a discussion prompt to encourage my classmates to reflect on ethical communication through real-world examples from history, personal experience, or current events. Students analyzed instances of ethical or unethical communication, connecting them to principles like truth-telling, transparency, and responsibility, and considered how these examples could guide their own ethical choices (Makau, 2009).

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A Historical Perspective

To underscore the importance of ethics, I referenced historical examples, particularly the misuse of technical communication during the Holocaust. The 1942 German memo detailing modifications for mass killings highlighted how a focus on efficiency, devoid of ethical considerations, can facilitate atrocities. This example serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to prioritize ethics in technical communication (Katz, 1992).

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Intercultural Communication and Localization: Student-Led Discussion

In this student-led discussion for ENGL 502: Technical and Professional Communication, I explored the challenges technical communicators face when designing for intercultural audiences. The presentation emphasized the importance of accessibility and collaboration in ensuring effective communication across diverse cultural contexts. Key topics included understanding culture, localization, and translation as essential tools to avoid stereotyping and to create culturally relevant content (University of Minnesota, 2021).

The discussion highlighted the role of personas in guiding the design of communication products for global users. By gathering demographic, behavioral, and contextual data, personas help tailor designs to meet the needs of specific cultural groups. The concept of contextual mapping was also introduced to integrate cultural, technological, and local factors, enhancing the design of user-centered products for international audiences (Getto & St. Amant, 2014).

Inclusivity and Intercultural Communication

The discussion highlighted the importance of face-to-face interactions, mentorship, and inclusivity in building relationships beyond demographic representation. It offered insights into intercultural communication and strategies for creating inclusive, accessible content for diverse audiences (University of Minnesota, 2021).

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Localization in Community Strategy

Additionally, the presentation focused on the importance of localizing communities, goals, communication, and inclusion in community strategy. Localizing these elements ensures communication strategies are relevant, respectful, and effective (Shivers-Mcnair, 2017).

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3 Topics from Conducting Research Through an Anti-Racism Lens

In my ENGL 502 presentation, "3 Topics from Conducting Research Through an Anti-Racism Lens," I explored how research in technical communication can be shaped by a perspective focused on addressing racial inequalities, drawing on key ideas from the readings (University of Minnesota Libraries, n.d.). I discussed the limitations of the term "minority" and its white-centered connotations, advocating for more accurate and inclusive language that reflects demographic shifts, particularly with the growing Hispanic-Latino population in the U.S. (CT by the Numbers, 2023).

Decentering Whiteness in Research and Communication

I discussed decentering whiteness in research, highlighting how past studies reflect predominantly white, Western perspectives. By addressing concepts like WWEIRD and systemic biases, I showed how technical communicators can promote social justice through inclusive, culturally sensitive practices (University of Minnesota Libraries, n.d.).

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Promoting Data Equity and Challenging Power Structures

I also focused on data equity, highlighting tools like Tableau’s Racial Equity Data Hub to promote more inclusive and accurate data visualizations. Additionally, I examined the historical roots of white supremacy culture in the U.S., emphasizing the need to recognize and challenge these deeply ingrained power structures to foster more equitable research and communication practices (Tableau Foundation, n.d.).

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Comprehensive Business Plan & Brand Book

For my internship project, I developed a hybrid business plan that blends elements of both a start-up and strategic business plan, designed to launch my own business. This allowed me to apply technical communication and professional strategies from the GCERT in TPC program to create a clear and adaptable plan. 

Creating a Brand Book for Business Identity

In addition to the business plan, I created a brand book to define my business's identity and online presence. It includes a Business Model Canvas, "Know Your Why" framework, brand tone, visuals, logo/icon inspiration, personas, website goals, and CMS ideas, providing a cohesive guide for launching my business.

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Key Elements of the Business Plan

The plan covered key aspects such as market research, competitive analysis, mission and vision, products/services, marketing strategies, pricing, and a personal bio. I also set measurable goals and timelines, supported by a SWOT analysis.

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Click Here to View My Internship Reflection

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