All roads might not lead to docs
summary
Argues that documents must have one clear purpose—reference inform teach—or they betray every goal they try to serve. Gives concrete examples (Asana keyboard shortcuts, HipChat API, MailChimp voice guide, Slides/UserVoice feedback flow), prescribes a one-word purpose mad‑lib, and shows how choice changes measurement (time on page, new vs return visitors) and format. Offers a diagnostic model under informal testing at a university web team and admits it needs broader validation.
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chapters (16)
- 0:00Intro
- 0:42Thank you
- 4:01My problem
- 6:31Scope creep
- 7:18Purposes
- 8:43Reference
- 11:48Best Practices
- 12:44Teaching
- 13:44Examples
- 14:33Endnotes
- 15:53Call out
- 17:50One purpose
- 20:50Engagement Examples
- 24:05Persuasion
- 25:52Defining success
- 27:50Avoid purpose betrayal
