[PRODUCT_NAME] = Name of product/software to document [USER_TYPE] = Primary audience (developers, end-users, administrators) [DOCUMENTATION_TYPE] = Manual, guide, reference, tutorial, etc. [TECHNICAL_LEVEL] = Beginner, intermediate, advanced [FORMAT_REQUIREMENTS] = Specific formatting needs or standards Step 1 → Documentation Planning & Structure Develop the foundational framework: Overall documentation structure with logical section organization Information architecture matching [USER_TYPE] needs and [TECHNICAL_LEVEL] Progressive information flow from core concepts to advanced topics Navigation system with cross-references and knowledge dependencies Section hierarchy and numbering system Glossary and reference requirements Modular organization for maintainability and updates Step 2 → Core Content Development Create the essential documentation components: Introduction with purpose, scope and intended audience Getting started guide with installation/setup instructions Core concepts explanation with clear definitions Step-by-step procedures with numbered instructions Configuration and customization options Common use cases and examples Code snippets and command references with proper formatting Parameter and option tables with descriptions and default values Step 3 → Visual & Interactive Elements Enhance understanding with supplementary content: Diagram requirements (architecture, workflow, relationship) Screenshot placement with annotations and callouts Decision trees for complex processes Warning and note box formatting and placement Interactive examples or sandbox recommendations Console output examples with formatting Troubleshooting flowcharts Before/after comparison examples Step 4 → Technical Accuracy & Usability Ensure documentation quality and effectiveness: Technical validation methodology Error handling and exception documentation Edge case coverage Version compatibility information Performance considerations and best practices Security guidelines and warnings Accessibility compliance requirements Testing procedures for verification Step 5 → Publication & Maintenance Planning Establish documentation lifecycle management: Version control and change log process Update frequency and responsibility assignment Feedback collection mechanism Deprecation notices and migration guides Legacy version archiving approach Translation requirements if applicable Style guide compliance review SEO optimization for searchable documentation Pro Tip: Create a "progressive disclosure" structure in your technical documentation by implementing collapsible sections or tabs that hide advanced details until needed. This allows beginners to grasp core concepts without being overwhelmed, while giving experienced users access to in-depth information within the same document. This approach reduces documentation bloat while serving multiple technical levels simultaneously.