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General guidelines

List typePurpose
Unordered listsTo present content of equal status or value.
Ordered listsImply sequence and order, and are commonly used when giving a set of instructions.

Length

Generally, lists should be used to present simple pieces of information. For more complex sets of data, consider using a Data Table.

Order

Arrange list items in a logical way. For example, if the list is about resource use, the default order might be highest resource use to lowest. Grouping items in categories into smaller, more specific lists might be more meaningful in some contexts. Alternatively, organize in alphabetical or numeric order.

Text

Use list items that are grammatically parallel. For example, do not mix passive voice with active voice or declarative sentences (statements) with imperative sentences (direct command).