Condition first sounds simple, but it changes how users move through your product. When instructions hide the condition at the end of a sentence, readers act too soon. They click before checking the prerequisite. Bringing the condition to the front removes that pause. It gives users the logic before the action so each step feels predictable and easy to follow.
Why It Matters for Product Teams
Users rely on conditional instructions to understand what should happen next and under what circumstances. When the condition trails behind the action, cognitive load rises. Readers must reread to confirm they are in the right state. Small ordering mistakes create user errors, drag support teams into repeat tickets, and disrupt momentum in onboarding or troubleshooting.
Conditions first creates consistent, steady, predictable guidance. It strengthens trust because users always understand the rule before the response.
How to Apply It
Start every conditional instruction by bringing the rule to the front. Let users see the state, trigger, or prerequisite before the action. Begin sentences with If, When, or After when describing required conditions. If a condition applies to multiple steps, place it as a standalone line above the sequence. During editing, scan for sentences where the action appears before the logic and flip them. For complex prerequisites, use a short lead in line to give users clarity before they move.
Examples
Not Effective: Click Run Diagnostics if the system fails to start.
Effective: If the system fails to start, click Run Diagnostics.
Not Effective: Select Retry when the connection is stable.
Effective: When the connection is stable, select Retry.
Conditions first. Logic first. Each line leads with the rule so the user never wonders whether they are in the right state to act.
