How to Use and Think About Bullets

We use typographic conventions to communicate relationships between text elements.

For Example: Often, bullet characters denote each item in a list of words, phrases, or paragraphs. The bullets communicate that the list items are related.

The bullets identify the items as relevant details for the text preceding the list.

It is a common practice to utilize a hierarchical structure for ordering related text.

Use the left and right instruction arrows to order related subordinate text beneath the main text. This includes all forms of content (instruction, supplemental information, reminder information, etc.).

Common terms for the instruction arrows are indent bullet or subset bullet.

The arrows provide two levels of subordination.

The black "instruction" bullets are the default bullet in a Dozuki guide.

"Instruction" bullets refer to a specific instruction or command.

For example: "remove the screw" or "apply pressure."

While bullets are black by default, their color can be changed to match the markup on images.

Do not use color bullets without a corresponding markup. This makes things very confusing!

Non-action instructions (like "stand by" or "watch") are still actions, even though they require no movement.

For information pertaining to the use of color bullets for markup, refer to the Document Conversion Markup guide.

Note ("info") bullets provide important supplemental and/or contextual information about a specific step or action.

Use the note bullet to provide additional context, such as an example, about the process; it's information that does not work as a standard instructional bullet.

For Example: "The finished product should have no cracks or irregularities."

Another use for the note bullet is to refer to supplemental material outside of the guide.

Work instructions are often accompanied by information that does not explain processes or give direct how-to commands.

Instead of using an info bullet for every individual piece of information, use regular black bullets for points or steps in the process.

Info bullets are best reserved for contextual information that relates to the process, but they are not for process commands.

"Carry the spacers to the next station" is an instruction.

"The spacers are placed at intervals to align the product" is an note/info bullet.

Reminder bullets are important information or parts of the process that require extra attention before going to the next step.

Reminders are most often used when the process requires a check or verification.

As a general rule, watch for "sure" words and phrases: "be sure," "make sure," "ensure," etc.

PPE is often a reminder bullet, unless the potential risk is serious enough to merit a caution bullet.

"Ensure that you are wearing proper footwear and eye protection."

"Caution! Do not open the safety during saw operation."

In general, Reminder bullets are like "mild" caution bullets: they are necessary for understanding and completing the process, just without the serious risk that a caution bullet denotes.

For example, if you were telling your operator to put on gloves before sweeping with a broom, a reminder could warn them about potential blisters.

If your operator is handling liquid nitrogen, use a caution bullet. You want to make certain they're wearing those gloves.

Caution bullets are attention-grabbing bullets that should be used when there is a serious risk to the operator, equipment, or the product.

Most often, caution bullets are used in instructions that have a risk of bodily harm.

Even in processes that don't involve harm to people or equipment, caution bullets still point out actions and circumstances to avoid.

Caution bullets can point out serious interruptions or breaks to the process.

For example, if an action in a software or interface is irreversible, a caution bullet would stand out as something the operator must avoid.

Our Help guides occasionally use the caution bullet to make important points and strong reminders on how to avoid certain pitfalls.

Use caution bullets sparingly! They're only effective if they stand out, and they only stand out when they are used judiciously.

The criteria outlined in this guide for when to use which type of bullet is based on Dozuki's best practices, but not a one-size-fits-all for all work instructions.

Sometimes a guide may be comprised entirely of information with no direct instructions.

In this case, the default black bullet would still be used for the bulk of the content, with info bullets being reserved for references to external content.

Many quality and inspection WIs are made up of actions involving "check," "verify," "ensure," etc., which are some of our criteria for implementing reminder bullets.

In this instance, the reminders would be treated as actions, with the reminder bullet being used sparingly for information important to the process.

Don't feel the need to forcibly include special bullets. They work best when they stand out, and they stand out best when used sparingly.