Guidelines for Writing Good Instructions

Organization

• Are the steps presented in the order in which they are performed?
• Is the first step really the first task that someone in the audience needs to do?
• Should a long or complex step be broken into smaller parts?
• Are all hidden steps made explicit?

Clarity

• Is each step written as an overt command (beginning with an action verb)?
• Are all steps easy to find and visually distinct?
  • List format?
  • Bullets or numbers needed?
• Is each step precise and complete enough to be followed?
  • Includes needed details?
  • Excludes irrelevant text?
• Are common problems covered?
  • Safety/danger warnings?
  • Troubleshooting tips?