TSE ISO/IEC GUIDE 37

TSE ISO/IEC GUIDE 37 is a horizontal guide on how to design, phrase and present instructions for use for products intended for consumers. Its focus is not merely on having instructions available, but on making them understandable, workable and consistent for the intended user.

What it addresses in the design of user instructions

The guide sets out principles and recommendations for preparing instructions for consumer products. It is intended for committees drafting product standards, as well as product designers, manufacturers, technical writers, importers, regulators, inspection bodies and researchers. In general technical terms, user instructions typically cover elements such as installation, safe use, maintenance, storage, cleaning and the communication of warnings. The purpose is to turn product information into clear directions that users can realistically follow.

Standardised wording and quality assessment

This guide is meant to be used together with product-specific requirements in individual standards; it supports those requirements rather than replacing them. It suggests model formats and sample wording to help create more consistent presentation across standards. It also provides practical recommendations and a proposed methodology for assessing the quality of instructions for use, while the annex checklists serve as aids for reviewing whether the information works for the target audience.

The document is concerned with the communication surrounding the product rather than the product itself. For consumer products in particular, clarity, structure, terminology and information hierarchy matter because well-prepared instructions can help reduce misuse and support correct initial use of the product.