Writing for the computer screen

Notes from article in Digital Matrix 131

Gotchas:

1. Less reading time
2. On-screen text is tougher for the reader - to read
3. The computer or reader can alter the format
4. On-screen text competes with other distractions
5. The screen can hide errors - things can look finished, even when they aren't

Tips:
Structure

• Use the inverted pyramid style of writing
• Provide an overview and signposts
• Use hyperlinks effectively

Style

• Use smaller chunks of text
• Write succinctly
• Use bullet points and lists

Format

• Leave plenty of white space
• Avoid using italics
• Choose your font carefully
• Use a sufficiently large font
• Use simple colour contrasts