Topic-based writing

Well structured, topic-based content makes information easier to find, navigate, use, and reuse.
Topic-based writing means an article contains just enough information to stand on its own. It shouldn't be more than a single procedure, a single concept, or a single reference.
Even though an article is self-contained, it belongs in a larger, organized set of articles.
Most people need only a small slice of information at a time. We want to write articles that answer specific questions without forcing people to sift through interconnected content. For example, if you're changing your car's oil, you don't want to read the entire user manual.
An article typically answers one of these:
  • How do I do it?
  • What is it?
  • What's the process?
  • How do I fix it?
Separating content by type helps readers avoid irrelevant details and get exactly what they need.

Related Content