Lists can be an effective way to present information in a structured and easy-to-read format. Consider the user’s needs and preferences when deciding whether to use a list and how to structure it. Use lists sparingly and only when they enhance the user’s experience.

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Consistency

Ensure all list items are grammatically consistent with one another. For example, if the first list item is a complete sentence ending with a period, all other sentences should also end with a period.

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Parallelism

Each item in the list should follow the same sentence structure and pattern.

Example of Consistent Parallelism:

  • Buy milk.
  • Get eggs.
  • Pick up bread.

Example of Inconsistent Parallelism:

  • Need milk
  • Get eggs
  • Bread

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Punctuation

For unordered lists, use bullets. For ordered lists, use numbers or Roman numerals to indicate the order of items.

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Style

Each list item should be either a fragment or a complete sentence, and the style should be consistent throughout the list:

  • For sentence fragments: Capitalize the first word, but do not end with a period.
  • For complete sentences: Capitalize the first word and end with a period.

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Unordered List

Unordered lists are best suited for presenting items that are related but do not have a specific order.

Tools for building design:

  • Selection tool
  • Line tool
  • Arc tool
  • Circle tool
  • Rectangle tool
  • Polygon tool
  • Text tool
  • Dimensioning tool
  • Hatch tool
  • Layer management tool

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Nested Unordered List

A nested unordered list can be useful for presenting subcategories within a main category, such as settings or options. This creates a clear hierarchy that is easy for users to follow.

Settings:

  • General settings

    • Language
    • Time zone
    • Notification preferences

  • Security settings

    • Password
    • Two-factor authentication
    • Privacy settings

  • Appearance settings

    • Theme
    • Font size
    • Background color

  • Payment settings

    • Billing information
    • Subscription details
    • Payment methods

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Ordered List

Ordered lists are helpful for presenting information with a specific order or sequence, such as instructions or steps to complete a task.

Creating a floor plan:

  1. Open a new document and set the page size.
  2. Draw the outer walls of the building using the line tool.
  3. Add doors and windows using the appropriate tools.
  4. Draw the interior walls and partitions.
  5. Add furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
  6. Add text labels and dimensions to identify rooms and features.
  7. Add annotations and notes as needed.
  8. Organize the drawing into layers for easier management.
  9. Save the drawing and export it to the desired file format.

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Nested Ordered List

A nested ordered list can show sub-steps within a main step, clarifying complex processes.

Detailed steps:

  1. Prepare the software.
    1.1 Create a new document.
    1.2 Set the units to feet and inches.
    1.3 Choose the appropriate drawing scale (e.g., 1/4 inch to 1 foot).

  2. Add necessary layers and views.
    2.1 Create a layer for the floor plan.
    2.2 Add views for different building levels, such as a basement, first floor, and second floor.
    2.3 Add a title block with the project name, date, and other necessary information.

  3. Begin drawing the floor plan.
    3.1 Draw the exterior walls of the building.
    3.2 Add interior walls, doors, and windows.
    3.3 Add fixtures such as plumbing and electrical outlets.
    3.4 Add annotations such as room labels and dimensions.

  4. Review and finalize the floor plan.
    4.1 Review the floor plan for accuracy and completeness.
    4.2 Make any necessary revisions.
    4.3 Save the floor plan as a file for future use or distribution.