Scannable+Text

=Scannable Text=

toc

Most web users don't read content on pages word by word. Rather, they scan the content for relevant information and key words. According to studies, only about 16% of all users on the web actually read text word to word. //Further, Nielson found that 79 percent of our test users always scanned any new page they came across (Nielson).//

//We all want to find what we are looking for with minimal effort and time.// //Below, you will find ways to write effectively for the common user.//

Economy

 * use 50% fewer words - get the message across with as few words as possible
 * use factual information
 * add hyperlinks for reference
 * avoid fillers - separate necessary information from irrelevant information
 * add links to additional information
 * use bulleted lists
 * limit one idea to each paragraph

Voice

 * avoid wordiness
 * write with the active voice
 * i.e. "He threw the ball" (active) as opposed to "The ball was thrown by him" (passive)
 * avoid animating text
 * avoid complicated words that would distract the user
 * use meaningful headings

Style

 * be consistent with style
 * wording (see above)
 * background
 * colors
 * best with high contrast - black text, white background
 * avoid bright colors
 * fonts
 * avoid using font sizes smaller than 12 point
 * use bold for important words, use italics, underline important points
 * color hyperlinks
 * labels, headings, titles
 * express with meaning, not
 * organization/sequence
 * use a hierarchal structure - present more relevant, more important information first
 * address main points: who, what, when, where, how

Study
In the article, How users read on the web, Jakob Neilson discusses ways one can achieve scannable text: > He also completed a study on the effect of web writing. It was concluded that when he combined concised version, and scannable version the usability was 124% better (Nielson). I think the wiki space could definatly use scanable text as it is hard to read on the web.
 * highlighted **keywords** (hypertext links serve as one form of highlighting; typeface variations and color are others)
 * meaningful **sub-headings** (not "clever" ones)
 * bulleted **lists**
 * **one idea** per paragraph (users will skip over any additional ideas if they are not caught by the first few words in the paragraph)
 * the [|inverted pyramid] style, starting with the conclusion
 * **half the word count** (or less) than conventional writing

Sources:
http://usableweb.com/topics/001310-0-0.html This website offers different writing styles and tips for writing effectively on the Web. http://clickz.com/showPage.html?page=833861 This website offers the "Seven Qualities of Highly Successful Web Writing". Nielson: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9710a.html