a short guide

What makes a good artifact

Six principles, one per screen. About ninety seconds. The thing you're reading is itself the argument.

01  /  six

It does one thing well

A good artifact has a single clear job and finishes it. The moment it tries to be three tools at once, it stops being shareable and starts needing a manual.

02  /  six

It works on a phone

Most things get opened on a phone, in a moment, with one thumb. If it only behaves on a wide screen, most people will never see it properly.

03  /  six

It loads instantly, with no setup

No sign-in, no install, no spinner, no accept cookies first. It opens and it's there. Every step between the tap and the payoff is a place people leave.

04  /  six

It explains itself

You shouldn't have to send a caption with it. A good artifact tells you what it is in the first three seconds, and how to use it without being told.

05  /  six

It respects the reader's time.

06  /  six

It's something you'd actually send to someone

The real test. Not "is it impressive" but "would I drop this in a message to a person I respect." If the answer is yes, the rest mostly took care of itself.

Now go make one.

Published on Artifacky
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