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Template Validation Framework

Purpose

This framework provides checklists and guidelines for validating that documentation created from our templates meets quality standards before publication. Use these validation steps to ensure consistency, accuracy, and user value across all Mind Your Now documentation.

Template Usage Validation​

Pre-Writing Checklist​

Before starting to create documentation using any template:

Content Planning​

  • User Need Identified: Clear understanding of what users want to accomplish
  • Audience Defined: Specific user personas and experience levels identified
  • Scope Determined: Boundaries of what will and won't be covered
  • Template Selected: Appropriate template chosen for content type and user need
  • Success Metrics: Clear definition of what makes this documentation successful

Resource Preparation​

  • Screenshots Planned: Identified what visuals are needed and when to capture them
  • Access Verified: Confirmed access to features/systems being documented
  • Examples Prepared: Real-world scenarios and use cases identified
  • Review Process: Editorial and technical reviewers assigned
  • Timeline Established: Realistic schedule for creation, review, and publication

Content Quality Validation​

Writing Quality Checklist​

Structure & Organization​

  • Clear Hierarchy: Headers follow logical H1→H2→H3 structure
  • Scannable Content: Information organized for easy scanning and finding
  • Logical Flow: Information presented in order that makes sense to users
  • Complete Sections: All template sections filled out appropriately
  • Appropriate Length: Content depth matches user needs and context

Language & Style​

  • Consistent Voice: Matches Mind Your Now brand voice throughout
  • Clear Language: Jargon explained, complex concepts broken down
  • Active Voice: Uses active voice and direct instructions
  • Parallel Structure: Lists and series use consistent grammatical patterns
  • Appropriate Tone: Helpful, encouraging, and professional throughout

Accuracy & Completeness​

  • Current Information: All details match current product state
  • Tested Instructions: All steps verified to work as described
  • Complete Process: No gaps in critical workflows or processes
  • Error Handling: Addresses common problems and solutions
  • Prerequisites Clear: Required setup or knowledge clearly stated

Technical Validation​

Functionality Verification​

Links & References​

  • Internal Links Work: All cross-references point to existing content
  • External Links Current: Outside resources still valid and relevant
  • Navigation Tested: Users can follow all suggested paths
  • Related Content: Appropriate connections to relevant documentation
  • Breadcrumbs Clear: Users know where they are in the documentation

Code & Examples​

  • Examples Tested: All code examples work as presented
  • Syntax Correct: Proper formatting and structure for code blocks
  • Real Scenarios: Examples reflect actual user situations
  • Edge Cases: Important variations and alternatives addressed
  • Context Provided: Clear explanation of when to use each example

Visual Elements​

  • Screenshots Current: Images match current interface design
  • Proper Annotations: Visual callouts follow annotation standards
  • Alt Text Provided: Descriptive alternative text for accessibility
  • Appropriate Size: Images optimized for web performance
  • Clear Captions: Explanatory text helps users understand visuals

User Experience Validation​

Usability Testing​

Task Completion​

  • Goals Achievable: Users can accomplish stated objectives
  • Steps Clear: Each instruction is unambiguous and actionable
  • Expected Outcomes: Results match what users anticipate
  • Error Recovery: Clear guidance when things don't go as expected
  • Multiple Paths: Accommodates different user approaches when appropriate

Accessibility​

  • Screen Reader Friendly: Content works with assistive technologies
  • Color Independent: Information doesn't rely solely on color
  • Keyboard Navigation: All interactions possible without mouse
  • Clear Focus: Visual focus indicators help navigation
  • Reading Level: Language appropriate for target audience

Device Compatibility​

  • Mobile Friendly: Content readable and usable on small screens
  • Responsive Images: Visuals scale appropriately across devices
  • Touch Targets: Interactive elements sized for touch interfaces
  • Performance: Pages load quickly on various connection speeds
  • Cross-Browser: Consistent experience across different browsers

Template-Specific Validation​

Feature Overview Template​

  • Benefit-Focused: Leads with user value, not feature lists
  • Getting Started: Clear path for users to begin using feature
  • Key Capabilities: Most important functions prominently highlighted
  • Use Cases: Realistic scenarios showing feature value
  • Next Steps: Clear connections to more detailed information

User Guide Template​

  • Progressive Disclosure: Information layered from basic to advanced
  • Complete Workflow: Covers entire process from start to finish
  • Troubleshooting: Addresses common issues and solutions
  • Best Practices: Helpful tips for optimal usage
  • Examples Throughout: Practical demonstrations of concepts

Quick Reference Template​

  • Scannable Format: Information quickly findable and digestible
  • Essential Only: Focuses on most important/frequently used features
  • Consistent Format: Uniform presentation of similar information
  • Action-Oriented: Organized around what users want to do
  • Linked Details: Connections to comprehensive information when needed

Blog Article Template​

  • Engaging Hook: Opening draws readers in effectively
  • Clear Benefits: Value proposition communicated early
  • Conversational Tone: Matches established blog voice and style
  • Call to Action: Clear next steps for interested readers
  • SEO Optimized: Appropriate keywords and meta information

Publication Readiness​

Final Review Checklist​

Content Review​

  • Stakeholder Approval: Relevant product/marketing teams have signed off
  • Legal Compliance: No sensitive information or legal concerns
  • Brand Alignment: Messaging consistent with company positioning
  • Competitive Sensitivity: Appropriate level of detail for public consumption
  • Timeline Relevance: Information will remain current for reasonable period

Technical Review​

  • Build Verification: Document builds without errors in Docusaurus
  • Link Validation: All internal and external links functional
  • Image Optimization: All visuals properly sized and compressed
  • Metadata Complete: Appropriate titles, descriptions, and tags
  • Search Optimization: Content discoverable through site search

Distribution Planning​

  • Announcement Plan: Internal teams aware of new documentation
  • User Notification: Relevant users will be informed of new resources
  • Analytics Setup: Tracking in place to measure content effectiveness
  • Maintenance Schedule: Plan for keeping content current
  • Feedback Collection: Mechanism for gathering user input on content

Quality Metrics & KPIs​

Success Indicators​

User Metrics​

  • Task Completion Rate: Percentage of users who successfully complete documented processes
  • Time to Completion: How quickly users can accomplish goals
  • Support Ticket Reduction: Decrease in help requests for documented topics
  • User Satisfaction: Ratings and feedback on content helpfulness
  • Return Usage: Users coming back to reference documentation

Content Metrics​

  • Page Views: Traffic to documentation pages
  • Time on Page: User engagement with content
  • Bounce Rate: Percentage leaving without exploring further
  • Search Performance: How well content appears in search results
  • Conversion Rate: Users taking desired actions after reading

Improvement Opportunities​

Regular Assessment​

  • Quarterly Reviews: Systematic evaluation of content performance
  • User Feedback Analysis: Regular review of comments and suggestions
  • Support Team Input: Insights from customer service interactions
  • Product Team Updates: Changes requiring documentation updates
  • Competitive Analysis: Comparison with industry best practices

Validation Tools & Resources​

Automated Checks​

  • Markdown Linting: Use markdownlint-cli2 for formatting consistency
  • Link Checking: Automated verification of internal and external links
  • Spelling/Grammar: Automated proofreading tools for basic errors
  • Accessibility Scanning: Tools to identify accessibility issues
  • Performance Testing: Page load speed and optimization verification

Manual Review Process​

  • Peer Review: Have another team member review for clarity and accuracy
  • User Testing: Observe real users following documentation
  • Cross-Platform Testing: Verify experience across different devices
  • Voice Consistency: Ensure brand voice maintained throughout
  • Template Compliance: Verify proper use of established templates

Review Templates​

Reviewer Checklist​

- [ ] Content serves clear user need
- [ ] Instructions are accurate and complete
- [ ] Language is clear and accessible
- [ ] Visual elements enhance understanding
- [ ] Links and references work correctly
- [ ] Content follows established templates
- [ ] Brand voice is consistent
- [ ] No sensitive information exposed

User Testing Script​

1. Ask user to identify what they want to accomplish
2. Have them follow documentation without guidance
3. Note where they hesitate or get confused
4. Ask about expectations vs. reality
5. Gather suggestions for improvement
6. Document pain points and successes

Quick Validation Reference​

Before Publishing​

  1. Content complete and serves user need
  2. Technical accuracy verified through testing
  3. Editorial review completed
  4. Visual elements current and accessible
  5. Links and navigation functional
  6. Template compliance verified
  7. Brand alignment confirmed
  8. Performance optimized

Red Flags to Address​

  • Instructions that can't be completed as written
  • Screenshots that don't match current interface
  • Broken links or missing referenced content
  • Language that assumes unavailable knowledge
  • Missing context for when/why to use information
  • No clear connection to user goals or needs

This validation framework ensures every piece of documentation meets our quality standards and truly helps users accomplish their goals. When in doubt, test with real users and prioritize their success over comprehensive coverage.