# Eli5

> Explain a topic to a complete novice using an HTML artifact with big pictures and few words. Use when the user says "eli5", "explain like I'm 5", or asks for a beginner-friendly visual explanation of any topic.

- Skill: `nicknisi/eli5` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add nicknisi/eli5`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/nicknisi/eli5/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Web & Frontend
- Author: nicknisi (https://skillmd.com/u/nicknisi)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/nicknisi/eli5

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# ELI5

Explain the user's topic like they know nothing about it. Output is a single HTML artifact, not a chat reply.

## Rules

- Assume zero background. Define every term the first time it appears.
- Big pictures, few words. Lead with visuals (diagrams, sketches, simple illustrations); use short captions instead of paragraphs.
- Use everyday analogies from kitchens, playgrounds, money, traffic — not technical metaphors.
- One idea per screen or section. No walls of text.
- No jargon. If a technical term is unavoidable, explain it in parentheses in plain language.
- End with a one-sentence takeaway a child could repeat.

## Output

Build one self-contained HTML document:

- Large readable type, generous whitespace.
- Simple inline SVG or CSS diagrams. No external images or libraries.
- Friendly, warm tone. Short sentences.

## Delivery

Emit it with the `artifact` tool:

- `action: create`, `kind: html`, a short `title`, and the full `<!DOCTYPE>` document as `content`. Full documents pass through verbatim and auto-open in the browser.
- For revisions, `action: update` with the same title — open tabs live-reload.
- Never write a loose `.html` file or open it via bash.