Dare -
If a step is weird or counterintuitive, briefly explain why. ("Lower the temperature now so the glass doesn't crack.") 3. Visual Landmarks People don't read; they scan.
Every few steps, describe what the project should look like. "At this stage, your mixture should look like wet sand." 4. The "Safety Net" (Troubleshooting) If a step is weird or counterintuitive, briefly explain why
Is this a 5-minute fix or a weekend project? Every few steps, describe what the project should look like
Whether you're writing a "how-to" for a hobby or a technical manual for work, a good guide needs to be a bridge, not a barrier. Whether you're writing a "how-to" for a hobby
If a step has "and then," it’s probably two steps.
Wrap up with how to test the final result and what the next steps are. A little encouragement goes a long way!
Start sentences with actions. "Click the button," "Whisk the eggs," "Unscrew the panel."