Human Factors and Behavioral Science: The UNIX Writer's Workbench Software: Philosophy

The UNIXTM Writer's Workbench Software: Philosophy By L. T. FRASE* (Manuscript received December 17, 1981) Technology has dramatically increased the number and complexity of written documents. The Bell System spends over $100,000,000 annually on technical documents, with much effort devoted to review and revision. The UNIXTM Writer's Workbench programs assist documentation by automating copy editing and proofreading tasks. These programs deliver detailed measures and comments about text readability, punctuation, word use, abstractness, and other features. Authors use the system to evaluate draft documents, and many feel the programs improve their writing skills. The programs have been used for quality control and text research, and in writing courses. This paper discusses principles used in system development, introduces the two following papers, and suggests possible uses for automated language analysis aids. I. INTRODUCTION Massive growth in the number of documents and in the sophistication needed to understand technical language has created challenges for many organizations, outside and within the Bell System. The Naval Air Systems Command, for instance, supplies technical manuals * Bell Laboratories. ®Copyright 1983, American Telephone & Telegraph Company. Copying in printed form for private use is permitted without payment of royalty provided that each reproduction is done without alteration and that the Journal reference and copyright notice are included on the first page.