# How-To Instruction Planner

Plan tested instructions with clear prerequisites, actions, decisions, expected results, warnings, errors, recovery paths, and completion checks.

## Usage note

Perform the task in the stated version and environment while writing. Do not publish inferred steps, invented interface labels, or a successful path that omits predictable errors and safe recovery.

## How to use this template

1. Define reader, environment, version, prerequisites, risk, and observable completion.
2. Perform the task and record each action, interface label, decision, and expected result.
3. Add warnings before risky actions and test common failure and recovery paths.
4. Ask a fresh reviewer to complete the task from the instructions without assistance.
5. Correct the final rendered guide and assign ownership for product-change updates.

## Blank template

### Task context

- **Task and reader:** [Enter]
- **Product/system and version:** [Enter]
- **Device, browser, or environment:** [Enter]
- **Permissions or account level:** [Enter]
- **Prerequisites and materials:** [List]
- **Time, cost, or limit:** [Enter]
- **Risk or irreversible action:** [Describe]
- **Successful end state:** [Observable result]

### Step card

Duplicate for every action.

- **Step number and goal:** [Enter]
- **Starting state:** [What should be visible?]
- **Action and exact label:** [Write]
- **Input or choice:** [Enter]
- **Expected result:** [What changes?]
- **Decision branch:** [If condition, then path]
- **Warning before action:** [Enter or None]
- **Evidence tested:** [Tester, version, date]

### Errors and recovery

- **Error or symptom:** [Copy exact message/behavior]
- **Likely cause:** [Enter]
- **Safe correction:** [Tested action]
- **Data or progress preserved:** [Yes / No / Unknown]
- **When to stop:** [Condition]
- **Support route and information to provide:** [Enter]
- **Recovery verified by:** [Name/version/date]

### Release checks

- [ ] A new user completed the primary path without coaching.
- [ ] Important branch and error paths were tested.
- [ ] Warnings appear before consequential actions.
- [ ] Labels, links, screenshots, and downloads match the current version.
- [ ] Keyboard, zoom, narrow layout, and media alternatives were checked.
- **Product reviewer:** [Name/date]
- **Live verification:** [URL/version/date]
- **Update trigger and owner:** [Enter]