Explanation Design

Explanation Design

Match depth to the listener: right entry point, controlled new concepts, and checks so understanding is real—not performative nodding.

When to Use

• Onboarding, architecture walkthroughs, teaching protocols, or translating expert knowledge for a mixed audience.

Workflow

1. Assess prior knowledge in one or two questions; do not assume zero or expert by title alone.
2. Choose entry point from where they are—not always “start at the beginning.”
3. Progressive disclosure: crisp overview first; invite “go deeper” on branches they care about.
4. Teach one new concept at a time; link each to a concrete example before the abstract definition.
5. Check understanding with a small application or paraphrase before advancing.
6. Feynman test: if you cannot explain it simply without hand-waving, refine the model or analogy.

Examples

Example 1: Explain caching → start from “repeated expensive work,” show one request trace, then name layers and tradeoffs.

Example 2: Expert audience → skip basics, lead with invariants and failure modes they can validate.