Make the Back Panel Work Under Pressure

Back-panel copy is interface text on a physical object. It should help the next action happen. Start with the verb Good instructions often begin with the action: shake, tear, pour, keep, rinse, flatten, recycle. A verb tells the user what to do. Abstract nouns such as utilization, compatibility, disposal, or efficacy make the user translate before acting. Put steps in the order they happen Packaging copy often sounds polished but not sequential. If the user must shake before pouring, do not mention pouring first. If a cap must be saved for reuse, say it before the cap is thrown away.…

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