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Good Scaffold rewards helpful technical structure. Where most Markdown metrics measure problems, this one measures structural assets that aid review.

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Formula

GoodScaffoldScore = clamp01(
    0.25 · VisualScaffoldScore
  + 0.20 · TableScaffoldScore
  + 0.20 · bounded_labelled_code_example_score
  + 0.15 · InformationScentScore
  + 0.10 · section_summary_score
  + 0.10 · successful_internal_navigation_score
)

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What each component captures

  • Visual Scaffold — well-labelled, bounded, locally explained diagrams and images.
  • Table Scaffold — tables in the 6–60 cell sweet spot.
  • Bounded labelled code examples — code fences with explicit language tags and bounded sizes.
  • Information Scent (Link Debt) — descriptive link text.
  • Section summary — sections that open with a short summary paragraph.
  • Internal navigation — anchor links resolve and there’s a usable navigation structure.

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How DMI uses it

Good Scaffold contributes positively to DMI via the +0.10 · G_norm term. It offsets maintainability penalties modestly. It never erases objective defects like broken links, parse failures, or inclusive-language flags.

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References

  • Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia Learning, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press — multimedia principles behind well-labelled visuals and bounded examples.
  • Carroll, J. M. (1990). The Nurnberg Funnel: Designing Minimalist Instruction for Practical Computer Skill. MIT Press — minimalist instruction principles supporting “bounded labelled code examples” and “section summary” credits. MIT Press record.

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See also