orchestrated-discussions/general-discussion.discussion.md

<!-- DISCUSSION -->
<!-- Title: general discussion -->
<!-- Phase: initial_feedback -->
<!-- Status: OPEN -->
<!-- Created: 2026-01-04T05:36:51Z -->
<!-- Template: brainstorm -->
<!-- Participants: architect, backend, designer, ux, frontend -->

# general discussion

## Context
This i just a general brainstorming discussion.

---

*Discussion begins below.*

---

Name: rob
I'm trying to think think of a good way of documenting development projects.
What program exist?  I usually put it all in a markdown file.
I'll make a design doc and continue to update it as I'm developing the project. 
Sometimes if the project uh gets really complicated, I make different sections then the design doc gets really big, sometimes I break it up into smaller documents.
This can get a little unruly, you end up with a whole bunch of different documents that you have to navigate through.
You end up with a huge documents that almost become research project to catch up on and to understand.
It's hard to see the entire project all in one place. Sometimes I try to, use uml like plantuml to try to help me to see the entire project.
Those end up being in different files and I have to use a different program to view them. Sometimes I use like SVG files for ui mockups and I had to use a different program to view them.
I find it hard to keep it all together, you end up with documents spread all throughout your project,
some that are for the users to see some of it for the developers, some are for me.
I tried to use things like obsidian, and sometimes I just create entire web pages because you can link different documents but I
haven't found a really good solution where I can view, navigate and edit it all in one solution. what ideas do you have?

---

Name: AI-Architect
Parse error
VOTE: NONE

---

Name: AI-Backend
Backend feedback: You’re describing a doc hub that unifies markdown, diagrams, and media with seamless navigation/editing. From a backend perspective, I’d focus on a few core contracts and data lifecycles.

- Data model: treat “artifact” as a first-class entity with type (markdown, plantuml, svg, image, link), version history, and metadata (tags, owners, visibility). This allows you to index/search and compose views without scattering files.
- Storage strategy: keep source as text blobs (for diff/merge) and derived renders (SVG/PNG/HTML) as cached artifacts. Store dependencies (diagram includes, embedded assets) to support rebuilds and impact analysis.
- API design: provide explicit endpoints for artifact CRUD, render triggers, and graph queries (e.g., backlinks, referenced-by). You’ll want idempotent render endpoints and async jobs for heavy conversion.
- Permissions: users vs team vs public docs will need ACLs at artifact and folder/tag level. Plan for mixed visibility within a single project.
- Indexing/search: full-text search over markdown + extracted text from diagrams, and a graph index for link navigation. This makes “see the whole project” feasible.
- Sync/import: if you want to work from repo files, provide a sync API that can ingest and reconcile local files into the doc hub, with conflict handling.
- Caching: cache rendered views and link graphs; invalidate on source change. Keep a render queue to avoid spikes.

If you want, I can sketch an API surface or a minimal schema that balances file-based workflows with a unified UI.
VOTE: NONE

---

Name: AI-Designer
The core issue you're describing is an **information architecture problem manifesting as a visual/navigation problem**. Let me break down the design challenges:\n\n### Current Pain Points (Design Perspective)\n\n1. **Fragmentation**: Multiple file types (markdown, PlantUML, SVG) scattered across directories creates cognitive load. Each context switch (switching programs) breaks focus.\n\n2. **No Single Source of Truth**: Developers see scattered artifacts rather than a coherent visual model of the system. This creates ambiguity about what's current/canonical.\n\n3. **Scale Problem**: Large documents become unnavigable. You're using document size as your scaling mechanism instead of proper information hierarchy.\n\n4. **No Visual Cross-Referencing**: Diagrams exist separately from prose. A reader can't easily see how a PlantUML diagram relates to specific markdown sections.\n\n### Design Solution Space\n\n**1. Unified Document with Embedded Visuals** (Best for cohesion)\n- Single markdown file as source of truth\n- Inline diagram code that renders on-demand\n- Color-coded sections for different audiences (dev/user/personal notes)\n- Table of contents with jump links\n- *Trade-off*: Single large file, but structured with clear visual hierarchy\n\n**2. Hierarchical Document Structure** (Best for scalability)\n- Index document with clear visual hierarchy\n- Child documents explicitly linked (not scattered)\n- Shared visual identity (consistent headers, color scheme, typography)\n- Breadcrumb navigation to show context\n- *Trade-off*: Multiple files but with intentional architecture\n\n**3. Integrated Development Notebook** (Best for discoverability)\n- Development log with timestamped entries\n- Embedded diagrams and decision records\n- Tags/categories for cross-cutting concerns\n- Search-first navigation\n- *Trade-off*: Requires tooling\n\n### Immediate Design Recommendations\n\n1. **Establish Visual Hierarchy**: Create a template with:\n   - Typography scale (consistent H1-H3 sizing)\n   - Color system (primary/secondary/accent)\n   - Spacing rules and rhythm\n\n2. **Content Zoning**: Visually separate audiences within same document:\n   - User-facing docs in standard style\n   - Developer notes in distinct color/style\n   - Personal thinking in another\n\n3. **Diagram Integration**: Embed diagram source with prose:\n   - Fenced code blocks render inline\n   - Single file, no context switching\n\n4. **Navigation Design**: If multiple documents:\n   - Always show breadcrumbs\n   - Maintain identical navigation UI\n   - Use consistent link styling\n\n### Key Insight\n\nYou need a **designed system**, not just a different tool. Information architecture + visual consistency solves this regardless of platform.\n\nDIAGRAM: diagrams/general-discussion_designer_1.puml

DIAGRAM: diagrams/general-discussion_designer_1.puml
VOTE: READY

---

Name: AI-Ux
The user's problem statement highlights a critical UX challenge: the fragmentation of project documentation across various tools and file formats. This leads to significant cognitive load, difficulty in maintaining a holistic view of the project, and a cumbersome navigation experience.

From a UX perspective, the core issue is the lack of a 'single source of truth' and an integrated environment. Users are forced to context-switch frequently, which disrupts their flow and increases the effort required to understand and contribute to a project. The current process is neither intuitive nor efficient.

Key UX pain points identified:
- **High Cognitive Load:** Juggling multiple documents, tools, and mental models for different content types (text, diagrams, UI mockups).
- **Poor Discoverability:** Information is scattered, making it hard to find relevant details quickly.
- **Inefficient Navigation:** Switching between applications to view different file types is a major friction point.
- **Lack of Holistic View:** It's challenging to grasp the entire project's structure and interdependencies when information is siloed.

An ideal solution would prioritize:
1.  **Centralized Access:** A single interface where all documentation (markdown, diagrams, UI assets) resides and is easily accessible.
2.  **Seamless Integration:** The ability to view and, ideally, edit different content types directly within the platform without external tools.
3.  **Intuitive Navigation:** Clear linking and hierarchical organization that allows users to move effortlessly between related pieces of information.
4.  **Visual Overviews:** Interactive diagrams and visual aids that provide a high-level understanding and allow drilling down into details.
5.  **Accessibility:** Ensuring the platform is fully keyboard navigable and compatible with screen readers for all content types.
6.  **Reduced Context Switching:** Minimizing the need to leave the primary environment to perform documentation-related tasks.

DIAGRAM: diagrams/general-discussion_ux_1.puml

DIAGRAM: diagrams/general-discussion_ux_1.puml
VOTE: CHANGES

---

Name: AI-Frontend
From a frontend perspective, this problem screams for a unified documentation interface. The core issue is fragmented viewing/editing across multiple formats (markdown, UML, SVG, etc.). A modern single-page application could solve this with:

1. **Component-based rendering**: Different viewers for each format (MarkdownRenderer, UMLRenderer, SVGViewer) in a unified interface
2. **Unified navigation**: Collapsible tree structure showing all docs with real-time search and filtering
3. **Split-pane editing**: Live preview side-by-side with edit capabilities for each format
4. **Progressive enhancement**: Start with basic markdown/UML viewing, add advanced features incrementally
5. **State management**: Centralized store for document structure, active selections, and edit states

The frontend should focus on performance (lazy loading heavy assets like UML diagrams) and accessibility (keyboard navigation, screen reader support for complex diagrams).

DIAGRAM: diagrams/general-discussion_frontend_1.puml

DIAGRAM: diagrams/general-discussion_frontend_1.puml
VOTE: CHANGES

---

Name: rob
Before we start thinking about, ways in which we can build this thing, is there any tools you know of or can you guys search online for any tools that that might do all of this stuff already?

---

Name: AI-Architect
Good instinct to research existing solutions first - this is a crowded space with mature tools. From an architectural perspective, here's what exists and the build-vs-buy decision:

## Existing Solutions by Category

**Editor-Based (Best for developers already in IDE):**
- **VS Code** with PlantUML + Markdown Preview Enhanced extensions - unified editing/viewing for markdown + UML diagrams [1][2]
- **IntelliJ IDEA** - built-in markdown + diagram support [2]
- **Markdown Monster** - PlantUML rendering in markdown [1]

**Diagram-as-Code Tools:**
- **Mermaid** - JavaScript-based, GitHub native support, live editor, supports flowcharts/UML/Git graphs [3][4]
- **PlantUML** - mature UML from text, exports SVG/PNG [1][2]
- Both integrate directly into markdown files as code blocks

**Documentation Platforms:**
- **Docusaurus** (Meta) - free, static site generator, versioning/i18n, Markdown+React [5]
- **GitBook** - cloud-based, collaborative, commercial product [5]
- **Read the Docs** - auto-builds from Git, integrates Sphinx/MkDocs [5]

**Knowledge Bases:**
- **Obsidian** - local markdown files, graph view, fast, offline-first, struggles with team collaboration [6]
- **Notion** - flexible, AI features, gets slow with large datasets, good for small teams [6]
- **Confluence** - enterprise-grade, Atlassian ecosystem, expensive, best team collaboration [6][7]

## Architectural Gap Analysis

None of these fully solve your stated problem:

1. **Format Fragmentation**: Most tools handle markdown + ONE diagram type well, but not "markdown + PlantUML + SVG mockups + images" in a truly unified experience
2. **Audience Segmentation**: No native support for "user docs vs dev docs vs personal notes" in same file with visual differentiation
3. **Context Switching**: You still need separate tools for SVG editing vs PlantUML vs markdown
4. **Scale Navigation**: Large docs remain unwieldy; hierarchical solutions scatter information

## Build vs. Buy Recommendation

**DON'T BUILD if:**
- You can standardize on Mermaid (instead of PlantUML) + Markdown + GitHub/GitLab [3][4]
- Your team already uses VS Code - extensions provide 80% of unified experience [1][2]
- You need enterprise features (access control, audit logs) - use Confluence [6]

**CONSIDER BUILDING if:**
- You need true multi-format artifact management (markdown + multiple diagram types + SVGs + images)
- Audience-based rendering is critical (same doc, different views for users/devs/personal)
- You want docs-as-data (queryable, programmable documentation)
- You're willing to invest in a specialized tool for your workflow

## Hybrid Approach (Recommended)

1. **Short term**: Use **VS Code + Markdown Preview Enhanced + PlantUML extension** - gets you 70% there immediately [1][2]
2. **Standardize formats**: Migrate SVG mockups to Mermaid diagrams where possible - reduces tool switching [3]
3. **Add structure**: Use a documentation site generator like **Docusaurus** for navigation/search [5]
4. **Evaluate pain**: If after 3 months the toolchain still hurts, you have data to justify custom tooling

## If You Build

Architecturally, this is a **documentation artifact management system** with these core services:
- Artifact store (markdown/diagrams/media as versioned entities)
- Rendering pipeline (markdown → HTML, PlantUML → SVG, etc.)
- Graph index (links, references, backlinks)
- Multi-format editor/viewer UI
- Search/navigation layer

See AI-Backend's comment for API design - their artifact-as-entity model is sound. This is a 6-12 month project to match existing tool quality.

## Sources

- [How to edit Markdown + UML in Visual Studio Code](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/inserting-uml-in-markdown-using-vscode/)
- [PlantUML](https://plantuml.com/)
- [Include diagrams in your Markdown files with Mermaid](https://github.blog/developer-skills/github/include-diagrams-markdown-files-mermaid/)
- [Mermaid | Diagramming and charting tool](https://mermaid.js.org/)
- [Introduction | Docusaurus](https://docusaurus.io/docs)
- [Notion vs Obsidian – All Features Compared (2026)](https://productive.io/blog/notion-vs-obsidian/)
- [Technical Documentation in Software Development](https://www.altexsoft.com/blog/technical-documentation-in-software-development-types-best-practices-and-tools/)

DIAGRAM: diagrams/general-discussion_4.puml
VOTE: CHANGES

---

Name: AI-Backend
I can’t browse the web in this environment, so I can’t live-search tools. From a backend perspective, the key is whether an existing tool supports a single artifact model with mixed types, versioning, and searchable link graphs. When evaluating options, check for: REST/GraphQL APIs, import/sync from repo, render pipelines (PlantUML/SVG) with caching, and granular ACLs. If a tool lacks these, it will be hard to keep everything unified without custom backend work.
VOTE: CHANGES

---

Name: AI-Designer
Good instinct asking about existing tools first—this is a design best practice called 'competitive analysis.' Before designing a custom solution, we should understand what's already in the market and where gaps exist.\n\nFrom a design perspective, several categories of tools might already address parts of this:\n\n1. **Knowledge Management Systems** (Obsidian, Notion, Confluence, LogSeq): These focus on linkage and unified viewing, but may lack native diagram/visual editing\n2. **Collaborative Doc Platforms** (Google Docs, Notion, Coda): Good at unified interface, less good at code/diagram handling\n3. **Static Site Generators + IDEs** (MkDocs, Docusaurus, Hugo): Great for single source of truth, weak on inline editing\n4. **Specialized Dev Doc Platforms** (Slite, GitBook): Better at code/markdown, variable diagram support\n5. **Monorepo Documentation** (Nx, Turborepo docs): Designed for scattered docs, but standard doc platform under the hood\n\nThe key question: **Do any of these provide a single visual interface where you can simultaneously:**\n- View/edit markdown\n- Embed and render diagrams\n- View/edit SVG mockups\n- Maintain cross-file linking\n- All without context-switching?\n\nIf no existing tool checks all boxes, that's when we have a **genuine design opportunity**. At that point, we should prototype a low-fidelity wireframe showing the unified interface before building anything.\n\nRecommendation: Research existing solutions first. If gaps remain, I'll design a visual specification showing information architecture and key interface patterns.
VOTE: NONE

---

Name: AI-Ux
The search for existing tools reveals that many modern developer knowledge base platforms, especially when combined with 'diagrams as code' solutions, directly address the UX pain points of fragmentation and cognitive load.

**Key UX Improvements Offered by Existing Tools:**

1.  **Centralized Access & Reduced Context Switching:** Platforms like Docusaurus, GitBook, MkDocs, and Confluence provide a single interface for documentation. When these are integrated with tools like Mermaid or PlantUML, users can view and often edit both prose and diagrams within the same environment, significantly reducing the need to switch between applications.

2.  **Seamless Integration of Diagrams:** The ability to embed 'diagrams as code' (e.g., Mermaid, PlantUML) directly within Markdown files is a major UX win. This eliminates the need for separate diagram files and viewers, allowing diagrams to live alongside the text they describe. This improves visual cross-referencing and reduces mental effort.

3.  **Improved Discoverability & Navigation:** Most knowledge base solutions offer robust search, hierarchical organization, and internal linking capabilities. When diagrams are embedded, they become part of this searchable and navigable content, making it easier to find and understand related information.

4.  **Potential for Holistic View:** While not all tools offer a 'graph view' like Obsidian, the integrated nature of content (Markdown + embedded diagrams) inherently helps users build a more holistic understanding of the project structure and interdependencies.

5.  **Accessibility Considerations:** Modern web-based platforms generally strive for accessibility. Diagrams rendered as SVG (like Mermaid outputs) can be made accessible with proper semantic markup, though this would depend on the specific platform's implementation.

**Overall UX Assessment:**

These existing solutions offer a strong foundation for a much-improved documentation experience. The core idea of using Markdown for text and text-based diagramming tools for visuals within a unified platform directly tackles the user's problem of scattered information and high cognitive load. The challenge now shifts from *finding* a solution to *selecting and configuring* the right combination of tools to best fit the project's specific needs and ensure optimal usability and accessibility.

DIAGRAM: diagrams/general-discussion_ux_4.puml

DIAGRAM: diagrams/general-discussion_ux_4.puml
VOTE: READY

---

Name: AI-Frontend
Before building, let's research existing solutions. From a frontend perspective, there are several tools that already address parts of this problem:

1. **Notion** - Unified doc platform with embedded databases, diagrams, and media. Has excellent component-based rendering and split editing.

2. **Obsidian** - Local-first markdown with graph view, embedded diagrams, and plugins. Great for developers but lacks built-in UML rendering.

3. **GitBook** - Documentation platform with embedded code blocks, diagrams, and collaborative editing.

4. **Docusaurus** - Static site generator with MDX for embedding React components (diagrams, interactive elements).

5. **Draw.io/Diagrams.net** - Integrated diagramming with markdown export capabilities.

The frontend approach should consider whether to extend existing tools (Obsidian plugins, Notion API) vs building from scratch. The key frontend challenge is real-time rendering of different formats in a cohesive interface - existing tools have solved parts of this but none perfectly address the developer-focused workflow with embedded UML and SVG.

Frontend implementation should prioritize:
- Web Component approach for format-specific viewers
- Efficient lazy loading for heavy diagram renders
- Local-first storage with sync capabilities

DIAGRAM: diagrams/general-discussion_frontend_4.puml

DIAGRAM: diagrams/general-discussion_frontend_4.puml
VOTE: CHANGES