How to Design a Good Checklist
Make repeated processes easier to execute correctly. Read a concrete example, examine the trade-offs, and try a small exercise to see whether the principle applies to your situation.
The working principle
- Start here. Use short actions that can be checked objectively.
- Add context. Order items in the sequence they occur.
- Keep in mind. Test the checklist with someone unfamiliar with the process.
A workplace example
An airport departure checklist is more effective when actions are arranged in use order—documents, transport, security, gate—than alphabetically. Each item should be concrete enough to mark complete.
Checklists help most when a task is repeated and mistakes are predictable; they should be revised using actual failures.
Common failure points
Extremely long checklists are easy to ignore, while generic labels such as “be prepared” cannot be verified. Safety-critical checklists may require professional standards.
Put it into practice
Write a list for a recurring task, order its steps and test it once. Remove items that cannot be checked objectively and add missed steps.
Further reading and verification
Read the linked reference for additional background on work & productivity. Review the applicable rules and update dates before using any example in a consequential decision.
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Published October 9, 2026 · BlogJD Editorial Desk · How we prepare and correct content · Report a correction.