Phase 3 Guides: Quick Start For New Users

Hey guys! Let's dive into Phase 3 of our project, where we're focusing on creating a minimum viable set of Guides content. This is all about making it super easy for new users to jump in and get started. Think of it as the express lane to success! We want to make sure anyone can get up and running in under 10 minutes. How cool is that?

Why Guides are Crucial

Guides are the backbone of user success. They're like a friendly map that leads users through the initial steps and encourages them to explore further. By providing clear and concise instructions, we're not just helping users; we're also reducing the burden on our support team. No one wants to spend hours answering the same questions over and over, right? Great guides mean happier users and a smoother experience for everyone. We aim to provide usable content with an examples-first approach. This means users can see how things work in real-time, making the learning process much more intuitive and less intimidating.

Core Guides Pages

We're focusing on creating these core “Guides” pages that will help a new user succeed quickly:

• docs/guides/index.md: This will be the central hub, offering summaries and links to all the guides. Think of it as the table of contents for our user success journey.
• docs/guides/quick-start.md: The hero of our story! This guide will walk users through the initial setup and first steps in under 10 minutes. It's all about that instant gratification.
• docs/guides/workspace-and-configuration.md: This guide will help users understand their workspace, configure settings, and tailor the experience to their needs. Think of it as the control panel for their journey.
• docs/guides/generating-worklogs.md: We'll show users how to generate worklogs effectively, track their progress, and stay organized. It's like having a personal assistant for productivity.
• docs/guides/mcp-clients.md: This guide will provide specific instructions for using different MCP (My Client Platform) clients, ensuring users can seamlessly integrate our tools into their existing workflows.

Tasks to Tackle

Let's break down the tasks we need to accomplish to make these guides a reality:

1) Guides Index: The Gateway to Knowledge

First up, we need to create a comprehensive index page (docs/guides/index.md). This page will serve as the entry point for all our guides. Each guide should have a 1–2 sentence synopsis, giving users a quick overview of what to expect. The most crucial part? Ensuring all links resolve correctly. Nobody likes a dead end! This is like setting up a well-organized library – easy to navigate and full of valuable resources. A well-structured index not only enhances user experience but also improves SEO by making it easier for search engines to understand the content hierarchy. By optimizing the index page, we ensure that users can quickly find the information they need, thereby increasing user engagement and satisfaction. It's the first step in creating a self-service support system that empowers users to solve their own problems.

2) Quick Start (≤ 10 Minutes): The Race Against Time

The Quick Start guide (docs/guides/quick-start.md) is the star of the show. Our goal? Get new users up and running in 10 minutes or less. This guide needs to be laser-focused and ultra-efficient. We'll start by outlining the prerequisites: Python 3.13, uv, and git. These are the building blocks for our adventure. Then, we'll guide users through the installation process using a simple curl seev-init.sh command. Next, we'll show them how to add Seev to their MCP client, with clear instructions for Claude Desktop, Cursor, and Cline. Generating the first worklog entry with an example is the next key step. Finally, we'll wrap up with a verification checklist to ensure everything is working perfectly. Think of it as a treasure map leading to quick success! By emphasizing a streamlined installation process and a hands-on example, we ensure that new users experience immediate value. This quick win is crucial for maintaining user interest and encouraging further exploration of the platform's features. It sets the tone for a positive user experience and reduces the likelihood of early abandonment.

3) Workspace & Configuration: Your Personal Command Center

The Workspace & Configuration guide (docs/guides/workspace-and-configuration.md) is where users learn to customize their environment. We'll cover tracked emails, file paths, environment variables – all the nuts and bolts. The key here is to provide clear examples that mirror the README. Consistency is key! This is like giving users the keys to their spaceship, allowing them to adjust the controls and personalize their journey. By providing detailed explanations and practical examples, we empower users to tailor the platform to their specific needs. This level of customization is essential for accommodating diverse workflows and preferences. A well-configured workspace enhances productivity and reduces friction, making the platform a seamless extension of the user's existing tools.

4) Generating Worklogs: Tracking Your Triumphs

This guide (docs/guides/generating-worklogs.md) will focus on the art of creating worklogs. We'll lead with examples, showing users how to generate worklogs for different date ranges, correlate data, and effectively track their work. We'll also include a link to the MCP prompts reference, providing a deeper dive into advanced techniques. Think of it as a fitness tracker for productivity, helping users monitor their progress and achieve their goals. By emphasizing practical examples, we ensure that users can quickly grasp the concepts and apply them to their daily tasks. The ability to generate accurate and comprehensive worklogs is essential for project management, time tracking, and performance evaluation. This guide equips users with the tools they need to stay organized and accountable.

5) Using Different MCP Clients: Adapting to Your Arsenal

For the Using Different MCP Clients guide (docs/guides/mcp-clients.md), we'll use tabs for each client, making it easy to find specific instructions. We'll include configuration file paths and, later on, add screenshots to provide visual guidance. This is like having a multi-tool for different situations, allowing users to seamlessly switch between clients and maintain their workflow. By providing client-specific instructions, we cater to a diverse user base with varying preferences and technical environments. This inclusivity is crucial for maximizing user adoption and satisfaction. A well-documented guide on MCP client usage ensures that users can integrate the platform into their existing workflows without encountering compatibility issues.

The Tools of the Trade

To build and serve our guides, we'll be using these commands:

• uv run mkdocs serve: This command will allow us to preview the guides locally, making it easy to iterate and refine our content.
• uv run mkdocs build --strict: This command will build the guides for deployment, ensuring that everything is in tip-top shape.

Verification: The Finish Line

How will we know if we've succeeded? Here's our verification checklist:

• A new user test completes Quick Start on macOS/Linux in ≤ 10 minutes: This is the ultimate test. If a new user can breeze through the Quick Start guide in under 10 minutes, we're golden.
• Tabs render and are keyboard accessible: We want our guides to be accessible to everyone, so proper tab rendering and keyboard navigation are essential.
• Code blocks have copy buttons and run as written: Copy buttons make it easy for users to paste code snippets, and we need to ensure those snippets run flawlessly.
• Strict build passes: A strict build ensures that our guides are free of errors and inconsistencies.

Junior Implementation Notes: Wisdom for the Journey

Here are a few tips for our junior implementers:

• Put commands first, then explain: This allows users to quickly copy and paste commands, then dive into the explanation if needed. It's all about efficiency.
• Use admonitions for tips/warnings at risky steps: Admonitions are like little flags that draw attention to important information. Use them wisely to guide users through potentially tricky steps.

Relevant Requirements: Our Guiding Principles

Let's not forget our core requirements:

• Goals: New users can install, run, and succeed in under 10 minutes. This is our North Star.
• UX: Tabs, copy buttons, on-page TOC, last updated metadata. These features enhance the user experience and make our guides more user-friendly.

So there you have it, guys! Phase 3 is all about creating guides that empower users and make their journey as smooth as possible. Let's get to work and make some magic happen!