Step-8 Write Clear Text and Messages
Topics covered n n n n The concept of readability Choosing the proper words Writing sentences & messages Kinds of messages Presenting & writing text Window title, conventions, & sequence control guidance Web-specific guidelines
Readability n - n The degree to which prose can be understood, based upon the complexity of its words & sentences Word length Word commonality Sentence length Number of syllables in a sentence Information organization, layout, & formatting Write at a readability level below the reading skill level of the intended audience
Choosing the Proper Words n n Do not use Jargon, terminology (See p. 567) Abbreviations or acronyms Word contractions, suffixes, & prefixes Use Short, familiar words Standard alphabetic characters Complete words Positive terms Simple action words, avoid noun strings The “more” dimension when comparing Consistent words Do not Stack words Hyphenate words Include punctuation for abbreviations, mnemonics, & acronyms
Writing Sentences & Messages n Sentences & messages must be - brief, simple, 20>=words, 6>=sent < 8 th grade level Affirmative statement - Active voice - n - Sentences & messages must be of the proper tone: Nonauthoritarian Nonthreatening Cautious in the use of humor
Kinds of Messages MYTH If the users need an explanation, they’ll always read the documentation.
Writing Message Box Text n Title bar - Clearly identify the source of the message (object, application referred) Do not include an indication of message type Use mixed case in the headline style n Message box - - - Provide a clear & concise description of the condition causing the message box to be displayed (See p. 571) 2 -3 lines Relevant icon to the left of the text Center the message text in window
Presenting Text n Fonts - Plain & simple fonts Min size 12 to 14 n Justification - - Left-justify (do not right justify) Do not hyphenate words n Line length - - If fast reading is required, use 75 -100 characters If user preference is important, 50 -60 acceptable Avoid very narrow columns n Line endings - - Coincide with grammatical boundaries