How to use GitHub for non-technical collaboration?

 
Step 1: Create a GitHub Account
 

Before you start collaborating, you need an account.

• Go to github.com.
• Click “Sign up” and follow the prompts to choose a username and password.
• Verify your email address when you receive the confirmation email.

 
Step 2: Set Up a New Repository
 

A repository (repo) is where your project files and collaboration tools live.

• Click the “+” icon in the top right corner and select “New repository”.
• Enter a repository name, description, and choose visibility (public or private).
• Optionally add a README file to describe your project.
• Click “Create repository”.

 
Step 3: Invite Collaborators and Manage Permissions
 

Grant access to team members so they can contribute.

• In your repo, go to the “Settings” tab.
• Select “Collaborators” (or “Manage access”).
• Enter usernames or email addresses of your teammates.
• Choose “Write” or “Admin” permission levels as needed.

 
Step 4: Use Issues to Track Tasks and Discussions
 

Issues are perfect for non-technical users to log ideas, tasks, or questions.

• Go to the “Issues” tab in your repository.
• Click “New issue”.
• Give it a clear title and describe the task or question in the body.
• Use labels, milestones, and assignments to organize and delegate.

 
Step 5: Organize Work with Projects Boards
 

Projects boards let you visualize workflows as cards on columns (e.g., “To do”, “In progress”, “Done”).

• Navigate to the “Projects” tab.
• Click “New project” and select a template or start from scratch.
• Create columns for each stage of your process.
• Drag and drop issue cards between columns as work progresses.

 
Step 6: Document Processes and Guidelines in the Wiki
 

The wiki is a built-in space for detailed documentation.

• Open the “Wiki” tab in your repository.
• Click “Create the first page”.
• Write guidelines, FAQs, meeting notes, or style guides.
• Use Markdown formatting for headings, lists, and images.

 
Step 7: Share Files and Resources
 

You can upload non-code files like presentations, spreadsheets, or images directly to the repo.

• Go to your repo’s main page and click “Add file” > “Upload files”.
• Drag and drop or browse to select documents.
• Provide a descriptive commit message and click “Commit changes”.

 
Step 8: Clone the Repository for Local Access (Optional)
 

If some team members want a local copy, they can clone via Git.

git clone https://github.com/username/my-project.git

• After cloning, any file changes can be pushed back to GitHub.
• Non-technical users can skip this step and work directly in the browser.

 
Step 9: Communicate with Pull Requests and Discussions
 

Pull requests (PRs) are optional for non-technical workflows but useful for structured feedback.

• Go to the “Pull requests” tab and click “New pull request”.
• Select the branch you want to merge and provide a description.
• Team members can review, comment, and approve before merging.
• Alternatively, enable the “Discussions” tab for open-ended conversations.

 
Step 10: Stay Organized with Notifications, Labels, and Milestones
 

• Watch the repository to receive email or web notifications for activity.
• Create and assign labels to categorize issues (e.g., “design”, “feedback”).
• Use milestones to group issues by target dates or phases.
• Adjust settings in your profile to control the frequency of notifications.