What Do Humans Need From Docs?

2026-05-31 · Source: Drew Breunig · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Software Development & Engineering, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Intermediate, short

Summary

The article explores the changing landscape of documentation, contrasting traditional human-written docs with "skills" designed for AI agents. It highlights that "skills," often simple Markdown files, are readily created because agents perform most of the work, allow for iterative refinement, offer immediate value, and require less aggressive editing. These "skills" frequently double as effective documentation, sometimes surpassing website quality. Despite this, the author argues for the continued necessity of human-centric documentation, redefining its purpose to build mental models, teach possibilities, explain design rationale, and detail deliberate exclusions, rather than aiming for exhaustive completeness. The ultimate goal for human-centric docs is to prepare users for effective agent prompting. To facilitate this, the author introduces `scaffold-docs`, an iterative and collaborative skill used for DSPy documentation, which enforces a three-tier structure and specific style rules.

Key takeaway

For software engineers or prompt engineers developing tools that interact with AI agents, you should re-evaluate your documentation strategy. Instead of creating exhaustive reference manuals, focus your human-centric docs on building mental models, explaining "why," and detailing design decisions to prepare your audience for effective agent prompting. Consider adopting agent-assisted tools like `scaffold-docs` to streamline the creation of structured, iterative, and style-guided documentation, ensuring your users can leverage both human understanding and agent capabilities efficiently.

Key insights

Human documentation must shift from exhaustive reference to building mental models for effective AI agent interaction.

Principles

• Agent-assisted skill creation is faster than traditional docs.
• Human docs should prioritize mental models over completeness.
• Explain the "why" and design choices in human documentation.

Method

The `scaffold-docs` skill uses an iterative, collaborative process with a three-tier structure (Getting Started, Diving Deeper, Reference) and builds content in passes (structure, headers, prose), pausing for user review.

In practice

• Utilize `scaffold-docs` for human-centric documentation.
• Draft agent "skills" by pointing agents at codebases.
• Iteratively refine agent "skills" with hot fixes.

Topics

• AI Agents
• LLM Skills
• Documentation Strategy
• scaffold-docs
• DSPy Framework
• Mental Models

Code references

• dbreunig/scaffold-docs-skill

Best for: AI Architect, AI Product Manager, AI Engineer, Prompt Engineer, Software Engineer

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Drew Breunig.