The Manager’s Lens: Christie Gera, Appfire on Leading Writers, Measuring Value, and Embracing AI

In this episode of our Knowledge Base Ninjas podcast, we talk to Christie Gera, Manager of Technical Writing at Appfire. She shares her perspective on how AI is transforming the current state of documentation. She emphasizes the importance of using AI as a creative support tool instead of a content creation tool. From adopting new skills like prompt writing and video editing to using new AI tools, she says that staying adaptable is key. Documentation of a product, when well aligned with user needs, can not only improve the experience but also drive product growth.

Watch the full podcast episode video here

Quick jumps to what’s covered:

3:06 – Evolution of Documentation Tools & Publishing Process

3:44 – How AI Is Reshaping Technical Writing Workflows

5:54 – Encouraging the Team to Use AI Constructively

6:51 – Using Notebook LM to Simulate Subject Matter Expertise

7:57 – Tracking Performance: From Docs to User Trials

9:41 – Critical New Skills for Technical Writers in the AI Age

10:41 – Valuable Learning Resources & Communities

About Christie

• Christie’s LinkedIn

• Christie is an experienced technical writer and illustrator and has nearly 20 years of experience in software documentation. She began her career unexpectedly after changing her majors from music to communications. And then she landed in her first technical writing job in New Jersey. Currently, she manages a team of nine technical writers at Appfire, where she still pushes documentation that supports both customers and business growth.

Key Takeaways

• AI Is More of a Powerful Support Tool to Writers, It Is Not the Writer

  AI can be a great thinking partner to develop ideas, check grammar, and improve structure. But generating content with it entirely is associated with such risks as inaccuracies and hallucinations. It is good to use AI as a support tool, not as a content creator.

• Embracing AI Is Important for Staying Relevant

  In today’s landscape, ignoring AI tools means falling behind. Technical writers should use AI creatively, for brainstorming, strategy development, and even for data simulation.

• Skills That Matter in the AI Era

  The current technical writers must go beyond traditional skills. It is also important to learn prompt engineering, video editing, audio tools, and AI voiceovers, along with technical writing skills. These skills help in meeting the user expectations, which are multimedia-rich content.

• Smart Use of AI Tools Enhances Productivity

  Tools like NotebookLM by Google enable writers to simulate SMEs, create relevant use cases, and accelerate documentation planning. These tools boost efficiency and make the work even simpler.

• Great Documentation Drives Real Business Value

  Impactful documentation is not just for supporting the users. It directly influences and encourages product trials. Tracking the user journeys from documentation to product trials is the key metric that proves how documentation supports business growth.

Rapid Fire

• What are some valuable resources you would recommend to the viewers?
  The LavaCon Conference, Write The Docs, Reddit,  I’d Rather Be Writing.

• One word that comes to mind when you hear “documentation”? 
  Evolving

• Advice to your 20-year-old self?
  Don’t stagnate, keep learning. Technical writing is all about evolving, not sticking to old ways.

You can listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.