Scannable content
Can you scan the page without having to pause for long passages? Can you quickly grasp the meaning of a section based on its heading?
Why it’s important: Jerrold has a cognitive disability that makes it difficult for him to read long, uninterrupted passages of text.
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Sharon reads most online content using her mobile device and finds it difficult to navigate long paragraphs.
Steps to take
- Use short sentences, whenever possible. Varying sentence length can add interest to a piece, but whenever possible, avoid unnecessarily long sentences — these can present obstacles to people who have difficulty reading. They can also be harder to skim on mobile devices.
- Likewise, keep your paragraphs short and focused. Short paragraphs, like short sentences, are easier to scan on mobile devices.
- Use precise and descriptive headings to help readers grasp the main points of a piece without reading it in its entirety.
- Check the continuity between sections. Paragraphs that don’t have clear thematic links from one to the next can cause difficulties for some readers.
Resources
Headings and titles, 18F Content Guide