Writing good documentation takes more than just sitting down and typing. If you’ve ever worked on a big project, you’ve probably faced issues like unclear goals, mismatched expectations, or endless rewrites. That’s where the Document Development Lifecycle (DDLC) comes in—a simple framework to help you stay organized and create better content.
In this blog, I’ll introduce the DDLC and explain why it’s useful. Later in this series, each phase will receive its own blog post so you can dig deeper into the process.
If you’ve ever struggled to make sense of messy documentation projects, this is for you.
What Is the DDLC?
The DDLC breaks documentation into five clear steps:
- Plan
- Research
- Write
- Review/Edit
- Launch
It’s a way to stay on track and avoid common problems, like starting to write before you know your audience or skipping reviews that could catch mistakes. Think of it as a checklist to keep things moving in the right direction.
Why Does the DDLC Matter?
Let me share a quick example.
I was once part of a team working on a new product. Everyone assumed the documentation would "just happen" once the product was ready. So, when the launch date approached, we scrambled to pull everything together.
The result?
- A rushed user guide that left out key details.
- Confused users bombarding support with basic questions.
- Extra hours spent fixing documentation after the launch.
It was frustrating for everyone, and it hurt the product’s reception. Looking back, the issue wasn’t about effort—it was about not having a clear process.
The DDLC could have saved us. It forces you to slow down, think things through, and create documentation that works for your audience. Here’s why it’s worth using:
- It saves time: Fewer mistakes and clearer goals mean less rework.
- It improves quality: Each phase adds structure, making the final product easier to read and use.
- It builds confidence: Readers know they can rely on your documentation because it’s thorough and thoughtful.
The 5 Phases at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the DDLC phases:
1. Plan
Start by answering these questions:
- Who is this documentation for?
- What problem are we solving?
- How much time and effort will it take?
This phase is about setting clear goals and creating a roadmap. Without this, it’s easy to get lost halfway through the project.
2. Research
Before you can write, you need to gather information. That might mean talking to subject matter experts (SMEs), testing the product yourself, or reading up on related topics.
3. Write
Now it’s time to create a first draft. Don’t worry about making it perfect right away. Focus on getting your ideas down in a way that your audience will understand.
4. Review/Edit
Once you have a draft, share it with others. Their feedback will help you catch errors, fill gaps, and make sure your writing is clear.
5. Launch
Publishing isn’t the end of the road. Keep an eye on how your documentation performs—are readers finding it helpful? Use their feedback to make improvements over time.
What’s Next?
In the next blog, I’ll dive into the Plan phase. We’ll talk about how to set goals, define your audience, and lay the groundwork for the rest of the project. Spoiler: planning isn’t just about timelines—it’s about asking the right questions early on.
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