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Better Docs

Building a compelling documentation website as a platform for a project. Docs site can multiply the visibility, professionalism, and credibility of the project.


Narrative-Driven Structure Don’t just dump docs — tell a story.

  • Explain why the project exists (pain points, motivations).
  • Show the journey: problem → solution → impact.
  • Include use cases and opinionated recommendations.

Interactive Components

  • Embed live demos (CodeSandbox, embedded app previews, or interactive playgrounds).
  • Live API explorer (e.g. Swagger UI, Redoc, or Postman collection runner).
  • CLI or config generator wizards for quick onboarding.

Custom Theming & Identity

  • Branded design: logo, color scheme, tone — make it look owned and intentional.
  • Light/dark mode. Mobile-friendly. Clear typography.
  • Easter eggs or inside jokes if that fits your personality.

Automated but Beautiful

  • Auto-generated API references, but with added handwritten guides and curated walkthroughs.
  • Include visual diagrams (e.g. Mermaid, Excalidraw-style flows) to stand out.

Real-World Examples & Showcase

  • Case studies or screenshots from actual users.
  • “Look what people built with this” section — even if the first example is you.

Search & Speed

  • Use Algolia DocSearch or similar for blazing-fast search.
  • Keep Lighthouse scores high — treat your doc site like a product.

Changelog with Personality

  • Make the changelog part of the site feel alive. Highlight cool features, not just fixes.
  • “What’s New” newsletter or announcement integration.