Documentation strategy (sample)¶

This page outlines how I approach documentation as a product: prioritization, quality, governance, and continuous improvement.

Goals¶

• Help users complete real tasks quickly (time-to-first-success).
• Reduce support load by closing common knowledge gaps.
• Keep docs accurate and maintainable as the product changes.

Content model¶

I structure content using a simple, scalable pattern:

• Concepts: mental models, boundaries, “how it works”
• How-to guides: task completion, copy/paste friendly steps
• Reference: precise and complete (APIs, configuration, fields)
• Troubleshooting: symptom → cause → confirm → fix

Information architecture principles¶

• Design for how users search and skim, not how teams are organized.
• Use consistent page types and predictable headings.
• Keep navigation shallow where possible; use cross-links for depth.

Quality bar¶

Minimum quality checks before publishing: - Technical accuracy validated through hands-on testing where possible - Clear prerequisites and success criteria - Examples that are runnable/copyable - Known edge cases captured (or explicitly out of scope) - Terminology consistency and UI label fidelity

Review workflow (lightweight and scalable)¶

• Draft: writer owns structure and first-pass accuracy
• Technical review: engineer/SME validates correctness and edge cases
• Editorial review: clarity, structure, tone, accessibility
• Publish: versioned release notes or change log entry when needed

Metrics and feedback loops¶

Signals I monitor: - Top search queries with poor click-through - Pages with high exits / low engagement - Support ticket themes that repeat - “Doc bug” reports from engineers and users

Where AI helps (responsibly)¶

• Draft scaffolding (headings, checklists, templates)
• Style and consistency checks
• Summarization for release notes
• Never used as a substitute for technical validation