ABSTRACT
Number instructional steps to help users perform actions in the correct sequence without overlooking critical steps. Instructions are often criticized for being poorly designed and poorly written. By failing to follow instructions, people can commit use errors that might cause inconvenience or damage a product at a minimum, and at worst, cause significant injury. For example, failing to tighten a component on a power tool might cause it to fly off and strike the user or a bystander. Neglecting to put on protective gloves while handling a sharp blade could lead to a hand injury. A key part of providing effective procedural guidance is numbering the steps. This is a way to: differentiate actions that must be performed from other kinds of information; make sure that readers follow steps in the correct order; make sure that readers don’t overlook necessary actions; and help users stay on track while performing a lengthy procedure.
