paulhibbitts/8-effective-practices-learned.md

## 8-effective-practices-learned.md

      
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              8-effective-practices-learned.md
            
          
    Strategies for Open Source Success

Building the Docsify-This Project

Communicate Purpose and Value

Provide potential users and contributors of your open-source project its purpose and value using jargon-free language, ideally within 5 seconds
Highlight Problems your Project Solves

Briefly describe the problems that your open-source project solves, and continue to update this list as the the project evolves and new information is learned.
Provide Demo Functionality/Content

Make readily accessible demos or example content available to support proof of purpose or value when users are initially trying out your open-source project.
Twin Development with Documentation

Actively pair the writing of documentation with the prototyping or development of new functionality for your open-source project, ideally in a highly iterative manner.
Publicly Share Works-in-Progress

Share out concepts and designs of new prototypes or development of your open source project to help refine your design thinking and invite early feedback (not a replacement for usability testing).
Maintain a Focus on First-use Experience

A barrier free first-time user experience can significantly impact an open-source project's uptake, even those with a more tech-savvy audience.
Engage With Users Where They Are

Actively engage with the target audience of your open-source project in their preferred physical and online spaces, fostering an ongoing dialog.
Consider Project Sustainability Up-front

Think about the open source project's long-term sustainability early, considering financial feasibility in addition to development efforts and ongoing maintenance.