M.E.D.

Currently popular is Marie Kondo and the question ‘does it spark joy’ when clearing out the materialistic items in your home. Similarly, Tim Ferris has a ‘minimal effective dose’, which applies to exercise or supplements. The philosophy is to take, or do, only the minimum amount that produces results, and no more.

There’s another application for a minimalism approach: documents. 

Minimal. Effective. Documents. 

Start with why, and consider who uses it, and more importantly, what is its lifecycle. Consider the consequences if the document is not used or read thoroughly or seen or adopted. Consider that maybe it isn’t needed.