Which Example Should a Work Guide Show First?

When explaining a tool or process, the first example does more than demonstrate steps—it hints at what the reader should expect.

A straightforward “happy path” can help someone get started. But an example showing where the process doesn’t apply may prevent a confident mistake. Which belongs first depends on the reader’s next decision, not just on which example is easiest to write.

If you’re creating a guide, what helps you choose the opening example: the most common task, the most important risk, or the question newcomers ask most often?