Documentation Structure

Good structure helps users find what they need quickly. Organize content by user tasks and mental models, not by internal system organization.

Content Hierarchy

Documentation/
├── Welcome/              # Entry point, product overview
├── Getting Started/      # First steps, quick wins
├── Guides/              # Task-oriented documentation
│   ├── Understanding X   # Conceptual
│   ├── Use Cases        # Real-world scenarios
│   └── Best Practices   # Recommendations
├── API Reference/       # Technical reference
│   ├── Introduction     # API overview
│   └── Endpoints/       # Per-resource documentation
└── Updates/             # Changelog, versioning

Page Structure Patterns

Section Dividers

Use --- between major sections for visual separation.

When to use:

• Between major topic changes
• Before “Related” or “Next steps” sections
• After introductory content
• Before prerequisites in guides

Don’t overuse: Not every heading needs a divider.

Navigation Patterns

Information Density

Scannable content:

1. Lead with key point in each section
2. Use bullet points for 3+ items
3. Use tables for comparing options
4. Use headings every 2-3 paragraphs
5. Bold key terms on first use

Progressive disclosure:

• Essential info (80% of users need) first
• Advanced configuration in separate section
• Edge cases and rare scenarios last

Tables vs Lists

Use tables when: Comparing items across same attributes, showing structured data (API fields), displaying options with consistent properties

Use lists when: Items don’t have comparable attributes, sequence matters (steps), items have varying detail levels

Code Examples Placement

Rules:

1. Show example immediately after explaining it
2. Keep examples minimal but complete
3. Use realistic data (not “foo”, “bar”)
4. Show both request and response for API docs

Cross-Linking Strategy

• Link first mention of a concept in each section
• Don’t over-link – once per section is enough
• Link destinations: Concept → conceptual docs, API action → endpoint, “Learn more” → deeper dive

Page Length Guidelines

If >5 screens, consider splitting.

Quality Checklist

• Content organized by user task, not system structure
• Overview pages link to all child content
• Section dividers separate major topics
• Headings create scannable structure
• Tables used for comparable items
• Code examples follow explanations
• Cross-links connect related content
• Page length appropriate for type
• Navigation connects sequential content