Should instructions be brief above all?

In technical communication, the clarity and effectiveness of instructions are paramount, which means that brevity alone is not the most important factor. While it's essential to avoid unnecessary information that could confuse the reader, instructions should be comprehensive and provide sufficient detail to ensure the user can complete the task correctly and safely.

Brevity might be tempting as a goal, but it can lead to oversimplification, where critical steps or necessary explanations are omitted. This can result in user frustration or errors when following the instructions. Therefore, the focus should be on clarity, accuracy, and completeness rather than merely being brief. The best instructions ensure the user understands the process and can execute tasks effectively, even if that requires a more extended explanation when the topic is complex.

In summary, while concise communication is valuable, effective instructions must prioritize clarity over brevity to support the user's understanding and success.