scope:

ISO/IEC 26512:2010 provides guidelines for acquirers in specifying the design and preparation of user documentation for application software. It describes how to specify what information users need, the format in which that information should be presented to the users, and how then to prepare the information and make it available. ISO/IEC 26512:2010 also provides guidelines for suppliers in planning the designing, developing, and delivery of the user documentation that meets the requirements specified by the acquirer. Application software includes consumer software packages, software for office applications, business software and specialist software for use by professionals. ISO/IEC 26512:2010 is for use by people responsible for the acquisition and supply of user documentation products: the Acquisition Plan, Document Specification, Statement of Work, Request for Proposals, and the Proposal. It also discusses the use of a Documentation Management Plan and a Document Plan as they arise in the acquisition and supply processes. ISO/IEC 26512:2010 is independent of the software tools that may be used to produce documentation, and applies to both printed documentation and on-screen documentation. Much of its guidance is applicable to user documentation for systems including hardware as well as software. It is intended for use in all types of organization, whether or not a dedicated documentation department is present. In all cases, it can be used as a basis for local standards and procedures. Users are assumed to have experience or knowledge of software development or documentation development processes.