diff --git a/howto.md b/howto.md
index 1c414e9a..27b7fe97 100644
--- a/howto.md
+++ b/howto.md
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ For the `owner` field, specify the name of the directory you created for your or
 
 The `site` field should point to the most relevant URL about your project. The `source` field must point to a URL at which users can find the source code for your device; this includes both PCB designs and firmware. This does not have to be on GitHub. The two URLs can be the same.
 
-Under the second triple-dashed line, you may write a short description of your project, if you wish; this is not mandatory.
+Under the second triple-dashed line, you should write a short description of your project including what hardware and software it uses.
 
 ## 4. Send us a pull request
 Commit your changes to your fork of the repository with a descriptive commit message, and [send us a pull request](https://help.github.com/articles/using-pull-requests/). Pull requests will only be accepted if they follow the rules laid out for the VID you are requesting a PID under. If this is not your first PID, or you're requesting multiple PIDs, we may ask for more details and justification. Once we accept your pull request, your registration will go live and appear on pid.codes.