Review a page through a reader's task

Begin a page review by writing down the task the reader is trying to complete. The task might be choosing a storage method, understanding a definition, or following a short procedure. This establishes a useful reference point for the rest of the review. A page cannot be judged well by counting words without considering why those words are there.

Read the heading and opening paragraph before looking at technical details. Can you tell what the page offers? Are important limits visible? If the introduction promises a worked example, check whether the example actually appears and helps the reader move from explanation to action.

Inspect the reading experience

• Check whether each section contributes to the stated task.
• Look for unexplained terms and provide definitions where needed.
• Distinguish supported facts from suggestions or uncertain interpretations.
• Follow contextual links and check that their destinations help.
• Read the page on a narrow screen and with a keyboard.

Choose the smallest useful response

A review does not have to result in an edit. If the page already answers the intended question accurately and accessibly, keep it. If one sentence is unclear, revise that sentence before expanding the entire page. If crucial information is missing, identify what evidence or expertise would be needed to supply it. Record the reason for any proposed change so a later reviewer can assess its usefulness.