> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://fuse-lab.gitbook.io/fuse-lab-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://fuse-lab.gitbook.io/fuse-lab-docs/leadership-and-context/documentation-principles.md).

# Documentation Principles

Documentation is not about creating more documents. It is about reducing repeated explanation, ambiguity and dependence on whoever happens to remember something.

## Write it down

If a decision, process or piece of context will matter again, record it.

## Make it findable

A perfect document hidden in a random folder is almost the same as no document.

## One source of truth

Link to the source instead of copying information into five places. Duplication creates six versions of reality surprisingly quickly.

## Default open

Company knowledge should generally be visible to the people who may need it. Keep things private when there is a real confidentiality, legal, people or commercial reason.

## Name an owner

Living documents need somebody responsible for keeping them alive.

## Date it

Anything operational should show when it was last meaningfully reviewed. "Last updated" helps readers know whether they are looking at context or archaeology.

## Refactor

Delete stale documents, merge duplicates, cancel rituals that no longer help and simplify systems that have become heavier than the problem they solve.

**Good process helps talented people get more done. That is the bar.**