DIVIO Documentation Framework

The Four Quadrants

Exactly four documentation types. Each serves one purpose. Never mix.

Tutorial

Orientation: Learning | Need: "Teach me" | Key Q: Can newcomer follow without external context? Purpose: enable first success | Assumption: user knows nothing | Format: step-by-step guided experience Success: gains competence + confidence | Include: safe repeatable steps, immediate feedback, building blocks Exclude: problem-solving, assumed knowledge, comprehensive coverage

How-to Guide

Orientation: Task | Need: "Help me do X" | Key Q: Achieves specific, measurable outcome? Purpose: accomplish specific objective | Assumption: baseline knowledge, needs goal completion Format: focused steps to outcome | Success: task completed Include: clear goal, actionable steps, completion indicator | Exclude: teaching, background, all scenarios

Reference

Orientation: Information | Need: "What is X?" | Key Q: Factually complete and lookup-ready? Purpose: accurate lookup | Assumption: user knows what to look for | Format: structured, concise, factual Success: finds correct info quickly | Include: complete API/function details, parameters, returns, errors Exclude: narrative, tutorials, opinions

Explanation

Orientation: Understanding | Need: "Why is X?" | Key Q: Explains reasoning and context? Purpose: conceptual understanding | Assumption: user wants "why" | Format: discursive, reasoning-focused Success: understands design rationale | Include: context, reasoning, alternatives, architectural decisions Exclude: step-by-step, API details, task completion

Classification Matrix

                  PRACTICAL           THEORETICAL
STUDYING:         Tutorial            Explanation
WORKING:          How-to Guide        Reference

Adjacent: Tutorial/How-to (both have steps, differ in assumed knowledge) | How-to/Reference (both "at work") | Reference/Explanation (both knowledge depth) | Explanation/Tutorial (both "studying")