Technical depth
Technical depth is the dial that controls how much specialized terminology and precise detail your writing uses. High-depth copy speaks to experts, while low-depth copy explains concepts in plain language.
Also known as:
Technicality, Expertise level
What is technical depth?
Technical depth is how much expertise your writing assumes in its reader. Low-technical-depth copy explains every specialized concept in plain language and avoids domain jargon. High-technical-depth copy uses precise terminology, cites specific numbers and names tools or patterns without defining them. The right depth depends on who will read the content, where they will read it and what they need to do next.
Low: Your data syncs automatically.
Medium: Changes sync across devices every 30 seconds.
High: Changes propagate via CRDT-based merge, reconciling conflicts deterministically on every 30-second sync interval.
Why does technical depth matter?
The wrong depth alienates readers fast. Too little depth makes expert readers feel talked down to and pushes them to look for richer content elsewhere. Too much depth makes new readers give up and blame the product rather than the documentation. Setting technical depth per surface, rather than across the whole brand, lets you serve both audiences without writing twice.
How do you use technical depth?
Pick the expertise level of the most common reader for each content surface, then write to that level rather than a vague average.
Define specialized terms on first use when your audience is mixed, linking to deeper references so experts can skip ahead.
Apply your depth rule through your Brivvy brand voice so every AI tool in your workflow defaults to the right vocabulary automatically.
