A lot of user-interface implementations I have reviewed have been cumbersome and hard to understand. We should take a hint from the consumer products industry and make out interfaces truely user-friendly.

Here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods.

On Sears hairdryer:
"Do not use while sleeping."
(Gee, that's the only time I have to do my hair.)

On a bag of Fritos:
"You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside."
(The shoplifter special.)

On a bar of Dial soap:
"Directions: Use like regular soap."
(And that would be. . . how . . .?)

On some Swann frozen dinners:
"Serving suggestion: Defrost."
(But it's *just* a suggestion.)

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom of box):
"Do not turn upside down."
(Too late!)

On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding:
"Product will be hot after heating."
(And night follows day . . . )

On packaging for a Rowenta iron:
"Do not iron clothes on body."
(But wouldn't this save a lot of time?)

On Boot's Children's Cough Medicine:
"Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this
medication."
(We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents
if we could just get those 5-year-olds with head-colds off
those forklifts.)

On Nytol Sleep Aid:
"Warning: May cause drowsiness."
(One would hope.)

On a brand of Christmas lights:
"For indoor or outdoor use only."
(As opposed to what other kind of use?)

On a Japanese-made food processor:
"Not to be used for the other use."
(I gotta admit, I'm dying of curiosity.)

On Sainsbury's peanuts:
"Warning: contains nuts."
(Talk about a newsflash.)

On an American Airlines packet of nuts:
"Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts."
(Step 3: Fly Delta.)

On a Swedish chainsaw:
"Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals."
(Was there a spate of this happening somewhere?)

Regards,