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Explain Like I'm Five · by Marco Conti · 2026-09-22

Is there a simple rule of thumb for explainers after a few failed attempts?

Would love to hear how other people handle this. I am especially curious about the version that works on a tired weekday, not just on an ideal Sunday.

13 sparks · 8 comments

Comments

Maya Williams · 7 likes

Yes, but I would approach it in a small, testable way rather than trying to solve everything at once. You will learn more from a simple version repeated three times than from a perfect plan you never start.

- Start small and make the next step obvious.
- Keep notes so you can compare what worked.
- Ask someone with recent experience, not just strong opinions.

Hope this helps!

Rizky Pratama · 5 likes

This is the kind of useful internet I still show up for. This is more useful on a tired weekend than on a perfect day. This is kinder advice than most of the internet manages.

Solar Mango · 3 likes

Yes, but I would approach it in a small, testable way rather than trying to solve everything at once. Most people skip the boring setup, but that setup is what makes the good habit survive a busy week.

- Start small and make the next step obvious.
- Keep notes so you can compare what worked.
- Ask someone with recent experience, not just strong opinions.

That should give you a solid first pass.

Liam Eriksson · 2 likes

This reminds me of something a friend in Toronto mentioned. The 10-minute rule is underrated.

Priya Nair · 1 likes

Yes, but I would approach it in a small, testable way rather than trying to solve everything at once. If two options look equal, choose the one that is easier to reverse.

- Start small and make the next step obvious.
- Keep notes so you can compare what worked.
- Ask someone with recent experience, not just strong opinions.

That should give you a solid first pass.

Nusrat Akter · 1 likes

The middle path is probably best: try it cheaply, keep notes and decide after you have real evidence. The a neighborhood park detail changes the whole answer.

Siti Lim · 1 likes

My practical advice is to make the next step tiny enough that you can do it today. Momentum usually answers half the question. I am curious whether simple still feels good next month.

Jasmine Cruz · 0 likes

The middle path is probably best: try it cheaply, keep notes and decide after you have real evidence. This would have saved me a lot of trial and error.