import { Image } from ‘astro:assets’; import flashlightBeamProblem from ’../../assets/images/collaborations/docs-first-approach/flashlight-beam-problem.jpg’; import collaborativeWorkspace from ’../../assets/images/collaborations/docs-first-approach/collaborative-workspace.jpg’; import organizedWorkspace from ’../../assets/images/collaborations/docs-first-approach/organized-workspace.jpg’;

From Flashlight Beams to Persistent Context: A Docs-First Approach to Human-AI Collaboration

The Flashlight Beam Problem

The AI builds up context as you go, getting excited about your ideas, understanding your goals, helping solve problems. You’re both in flow, building momentum, making real progress…

Then the session ends. 💥

Next time you chat, it’s like meeting someone with amnesia. You’re back to square one, re-explaining the project, rebuilding that hard-won context, watching the AI rediscover insights you’d already worked through together.

Both of you end up more scattered than when you started—a perfect recipe for digital ADD amplification.

Sound familiar? Welcome to the most frustrating part of AI collaboration in 2025.

When Context Dies, Creativity Dies With It

Here’s what typically happens in scattered AI collaboration:

But what if we flipped the script entirely?

The Docs-First Discovery

Instead of my usual scattered approach (start writing, realize I’m missing something, restart, lose momentum), the docs created a foundation that both human and AI could build on across multiple sessions.

The breakthrough moment came when I realized: What if every project started with creating its own “user manual” for collaboration?

The Methodology: Vibe-Write Your Way to Persistent Context

Here’s how docs-first collaboration actually works:

Step 0: Context Dump 📥

Step 1: Vibe-Document the Vision 📝

Instead of jumping into code or content, collaboratively write the “docs” for what you’re building:

Step 2: Let Implementation Flow 🚀

Step 3: Persistent Collaboration 🔄

Real Example: This Very Post (Meta Alert! 🚨)

Why This Changes Everything

The Different Flavors

Implementation Strategy

Create Your Project Artifact 📋

Every docs-first project needs its own living checklist. Here’s a battle-tested template:

# [Project Name] - Docs-First Collaboration

> **Current Phase:** [Where you are now]
> **Last Session:** [Date and what you accomplished]  
> **Next:** [Immediate next step]
> **Energy Level:** [High/Medium/Low - track momentum]

## Project Vision
**Goal:** [What you're building and why]
**Timeline:** [Rough estimate]
**Collaborators:** [You + AI partner]
**Success Looks Like:** [Clear completion criteria]

## Documentation Status
☐ Story arc / user journey mapped
🔍 Key features / arguments identified (need user research)
☐ Examples and references gathered
☐ Structure and flow planned
☐ Voice and tone decided

## Implementation Phases  
☐ Phase 1: [First major milestone]
🔍 Phase 2: [Second milestone - needs technical investigation]
☐ Phase 3: [Third milestone]

## Context Preservation
**Key Decisions:** [Important choices made and why]
**Lessons Learned:** [Insights and course corrections]
**Next Session Prep:** [What to review before continuing]

## Resources & References
[Links, examples, inspiration, tools needed]

## Status Legend
☐ Not started
🔍 Needs investigation/research
✅ Complete

Signal Intent Clearly 🎯

Start Small, Build Momentum 📈

⚠️ Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)

When NOT to Use Docs-First

The Meta-Layer: When AI Helps Document AI Collaboration

Advanced Techniques for Power Users

git commit -m "Phase 2 complete: User journey mapped with 3 key decision points

AI suggested focusing on mobile-first flow after analyzing user research.
Human added emotional journey considerations for signup experience.
Next: Build wireframes based on documented user flow."

From Scattered to Systematic

🎯 Try It Right Now (5-Minute Test)

The Bottom Line