About this session
The Human Algorithm: Give Instructions That Work is a 90-minute to half-day workshop for anyone who writes instructions and wants them followed exactly as intended. It runs live online or in person.
Participants write instructions for a human computer, a volunteer who follows every word literally, and see what happens when steps, conditions or end points are missing.
Participants leave with clearer instructions and a simple checklist for processes, handovers and requests at work.
What your people take away
- Write instructions for a literal human computer
- Test what happens when they're followed
- Spot missing steps, conditions and assumptions
- Add clear completion criteria
- Apply the method to real work instructions
Shared with you
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- What each length covers, 90 minutes to half day
- Everything that’s covered, part by part
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What each length covers
90 minutes
Write it and watch it followedParticipants write instructions for a simple task and watch a human computer follow them literally. Gaps and hidden assumptions show up quickly.
- Write instructions for a literal human computer
- Test what happens when they're followed
Covers 2 of 4 parts: Write instructions for a literal human computer and Test what happens when they're followed.
Half day
Fix, retest and applyAdds conditions, exceptions and completion criteria, a second test and a rewrite of real work instructions. Participants leave with a checklist they can reuse.
- Write instructions for a literal human computer
- Test what happens when they're followed
- Add missing conditions and completion criteria
- Apply it to real instructions
Covers all 4 parts.
What’s covered
Write instructions for a literal human computer
Every length- Choose a simple taskGroups pick a task, such as drawing a shape or building a small object, for the human computer to complete.
- Write step-by-step instructionsTeams write instructions without speaking to or showing the human computer.
Test what happens when they're followed
Every length- Watch every word followed literallyThe human computer follows the instructions exactly, without filling in any gaps.
- Note where it goes wrongWriters record each point where the result drifted from what they meant.
- Find the hidden assumptionsGroups identify what they assumed the reader would just know.
Add missing conditions and completion criteria
Half day only- Add conditions and exceptionsTeams add what to do if something is missing, different or goes wrong.
- Define what done looks likeWriters add clear completion criteria so the reader knows when to stop.
- Test againThe human computer follows the revised instructions so groups can compare.
Apply it to real instructions
Half day only- Rewrite a real instructionParticipants improve a process, handover note or request they use at work.
- Use a simple checklistEach person leaves with a checklist covering steps, conditions, exceptions and completion.
Tools and materials
- Task cards
- Instruction writing template
- Observation sheet
- Conditions and exceptions prompts
- Instruction quality checklist
Who it’s for
- Anyone who writes processes or how-to guides
- Managers delegating tasks
- Operations, IT and support teams
- Teams writing prompts or instructions for AI tools
How booking works
- Book online. Create a free Workbliss profile, then pay with session credits, by card or by invoice.
- Pick a date. Choose a date at least 14 days ahead, or book now and set the date later.
- Choose your expert. Within 3 working days, we send you profiles of the experts available for your date.
- We deliver it. Your expert is briefed on your people and goals, then runs the session live online or at your site.
Questions about The Human Algorithm: Give Instructions That Work
How long is The Human Algorithm: Give Instructions That Work?
The Human Algorithm: Give Instructions That Work runs as 90 minutes or half day. You choose the length when you book. A 90-minute session covers Write instructions for a literal human computer and Test what happens when they're followed. A half-day session adds Add missing conditions and completion criteria and Apply it to real instructions.
Can The Human Algorithm: Give Instructions That Work be delivered online or in person?
Yes, both. It runs live online, so every office can join at the same time, or in person at your site, in any country.
How do we book The Human Algorithm: Give Instructions That Work?
Create a free Workbliss profile with your work email, then open The Human Algorithm: Give Instructions That Work to see the price for each length and book it. You can pay with session credits, by card or by invoice, and choose a date at least 14 days ahead, or set it later.
Who leads the session?
A vetted Workbliss expert, briefed on your people, culture and goals before the session. After you book, we send you profiles of the experts available for your date within 3 working days, so you can choose who leads it.
Can it be tailored to our company?
Yes. Every session is shaped around your goals, your people and the benefits you already offer, and delivered by experts in your people’s languages.