1. Introduction (½–1 page)
- Purpose: Clearly state what this document is about and why it matters.
- Audience: Define whom this memo is for.
- Tip: Many authors write this section last to summarize the key points.
2. Goals (½ page)
- Measurable Objectives:
- Example: “Reduce API latency from 200ms → 100ms by Q4.”
- Define baseline, target, and timeline.
3. Tenets (½ page)
- Guiding principles or decision-making rules for this project.
- Example: “Prioritize customer latency over cost.”
- Helps reviewers understand how decisions were framed.
4. State of the Business (1–2 pages)
- Current status:
- Architecture
- Performance stats
- Cost breakdowns
- Customer pain points
- Use evidence-backed analysis.
5. Lessons Learned (½–1 page)
- What past efforts taught you (successes & failures).
- Data-driven insights that inform your proposal.
6. Strategic Priorities (2–3 pages)
- Proposed Solution:
- System design & architecture diagrams (yes, they’re allowed in a 6-Pager).
- APIs, components, and data flows.
- Tradeoff analysis: why this design was chosen over others.
- Risks & mitigations.
- Implementation Plan:
- Phases, timelines, and ownership.
- Metrics for success.
7. Appendix (unlimited)
- Supporting charts, tables, detailed logs, metrics, and cost models.
- Keep the main 6 pages narrative-focused; place raw data here.
- Reference appendix materials directly in the main text (e.g., “see Appendix A”).
🧑‍💻 Best Practices
âś… Write in narrative prose (not bullet points).
✅ Meetings start with 20–30 minutes of silent reading.
âś… Use concrete data and avoid marketing language.
✅ Be ready for iterative revisions—Amazon docs often go through several drafts.