How to structure documentation for both AI and human readers

With the increasing reliance on AI systems for extracting information from documentation, it is essential to structure content to serve both AI and human readers effectively. The shift towards AI-friendly documentation is driven by AI’s method of processing content, which involves scanning documents in small chunks, potentially leading to misinterpretations if the structure is not clear. To address this, the article emphasizes the importance of minimal formatting, clear hierarchical headings, short paragraphs, and avoiding interactive content that AI might not capture effectively. It highlights the need for separating code from text using fenced blocks and providing context through metadata, such as YAML frontmatter, to enhance AI's ability to interpret the information accurately. The article also discusses the benefits of structured formatting for usability in various documentation types, such as knowledge bases and developer docs, and recommends best practices for writing and formatting that improve AI processing. Testing documentation for readability with both automated tools and human input is suggested to ensure effectiveness across different audiences. The Mintlify platform is highlighted for its ability to combine simple Markdown for reliable AI scanning with the option to include dynamic UI features, thus supporting both clean structure and layered experiences.

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