The current instruction tells the user what type of input is required and what values are acceptable. The current instruction should be as specific as possible. For example, “Enter a height...” is preferable to “Enter a number....” The current instruction should follow a specific format of wording and grammar.
The current instruction should use a verb as the first word. (This is in English; other languages should consistently place the verb where it is syntactically correct for that language.) The verb provides a standardized meaning as to the type of input that is required.
|
Standardized verb usage |
|
|---|---|
|
Verb |
Meaning |
|
Select |
Pick objects on the screen using your pointing device. |
|
Enter |
Enter a value at the command line. |
|
Specify |
Pick a point on the screen or enter a value at the command line. |
It might appear that the word “Pick” is more appropriate than “Specify,” especially when the only allowable input is a point. However, a point can be entered by picking it on screen, entering it at the command line, or by using an object snap. “Specify” is, therefore, preferable because of its broader meaning.
In certain cases, other verbs may be more appropriate for the situation. For example the AUDIT command uses:
Fix errors that are detected? [Yes/No] <Y>:
Wherever possible, the word immediately after the verb should help the user determine what kind of value is acceptable. “Enter height of target box...” is preferable to “Enter target box height....”
Examples include:
Specify a point..., Specify a start point..., Specify a base point..., Specify next point..., Specify an end point...
Specify a distance..., Specify a height..., Specify a scale...,
Specify an angle..., Specify a start angle..., Specify an end angle...
Enter a value... for a range of numbers
Enter a positive number..., Enter a negative number..., Enter a non-zero number...
Enter a file name
Enter a ... name when only one name (string) is valid
Enter a name ... list when you can enter a single name or a comma delimited list of names with wild cards