Great documentation isn't just about having the right information—it's about organizing that information so users can find and understand it quickly.
Start with User Intent
Before writing a single word, understand what your users are trying to accomplish. Are they trying to solve a problem, learn a concept, or complete a task?
Always lead with the outcome. Tell users what they'll achieve before explaining how to do it.
The Inverted Pyramid Approach
Structure your content like a news article—most important information first, supporting details after.
Start each section by describing what the user will accomplish or learn.
# Setting Up Authentication By the end of this guide, you'll have secure API authentication working in your application with proper error handling.
Give users the background they need to understand the instructions.
Include prerequisites, assumptions, and any important warnings upfront.
Break down the actual steps, code examples, and configuration details.
Progressive Information Disclosure
Reveal complexity gradually. Start with the simplest case that works, then build up to more sophisticated scenarios.
// Start with the minimal working example const response = await fetch('/api/users'); const users = await response.json();
// Then show error handling try { const response = await fetch('/api/users'); if (!response.ok) { throw new Error(`HTTP error! status: ${response.status}`); } const users = await response.json(); } catch (error) { console.error('Failed to fetch users:', error); }
// Finally, show production-ready implementation const fetchUsers = async (options = {}) => { const { timeout = 5000, retries = 3 } = options; for (let attempt = 1; attempt <= retries; attempt++) { try { const controller = new AbortController(); const timeoutId = setTimeout(() => controller.abort(), timeout); const response = await fetch('/api/users', { signal: controller.signal, headers: { 'Authorization': `Bearer ${getToken()}`, 'Content-Type': 'application/json' } }); clearTimeout(timeoutId); if (!response.ok) { throw new Error(`HTTP ${response.status}: ${response.statusText}`); } return await response.json(); } catch (error) { if (attempt === retries) throw error; await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 1000 * attempt)); } } };
Scannable Content Design
Most users scan before they read. Design your content to support this behavior.
Effective Heading Hierarchy
Use headings to create a clear content outline:
# Main Topic (H1) ## Primary Sections (H2) ### Subsections (H3) #### Details (H4 - use sparingly)
Never skip heading levels. Going from H2 to H4 breaks screen readers and confuses users.
Strategic Use of Lists
Break up dense text with lists when you have:
Multiple related items
Sequential steps
Options or alternatives
Key points to emphasize
Context and Prerequisites
Never assume users have the same context you do. Explicitly state what they need to know or have ready.
# Installing the CLI Tool **Prerequisites:** - Node.js 18 or higher - npm or yarn package manager - Basic familiarity with command line **What you'll need:** - API key from your dashboard - 10 minutes to complete setup
# Installing the CLI Tool Just run the install command and configure your API key.
Next Steps Navigation
End each section by guiding users to their next logical action.
Quick Start Guide
Ready to implement? Follow our step-by-step setup guide.
Advanced Configuration
Need custom behavior? Explore advanced configuration options.
Good content structure makes documentation feel effortless to navigate, even for complex topics.