Writing for the Web

• There is no instructor/teacher to provide the human touch
  • Content has to be presented in a non-threatening, easy-to-understand way.
  • Motivational elements such as awards and discussions have to be incorporated
  • The language should be simple and friendly
• Web users scan rather than read.
  • The content should be presented in small, easy-to-digest modules
  • Headings and subheadings should be used
  • The main points should be emphasized visually
  • Links for more detailed information should be provided.
• Web users can and do move between content non-sequentially
  • Users need to know where they are in the organization of information.
  • All pages should have consistent format and layout
  • Navigation on pages and between pages should be clear and evident
• Many users still have slow connections to the web
  • Graphics should only be used for instruction, not for decoration
  • Graphics should be as small as possible
  • Video, audio and other multimedia (such as Power Point) should be delivered in alternate format

A summary of good web design principles is listed below. 

• Keep text large for readability. (12 point is the absolute minimum – suggest 14 point for most fonts)
• Choose readable font. (Script (Script) and decorative(Decorative) fonts are hard to read)
• Use high contrast colors (Don’t use yellow (yellow) text on white background, for example)

• Keep images as small as possible
• Every graphic should have a purpose and a use. (Graphics should not be used for decoration)

• Use consistent size and color headings on each page
• Use colors consistently on each page
• Use consistent font on each page
• Use the same page organization throughout the course

• Consistently use headings and page titles
• Use headings and titles that match the page content.

• Organize ideas into concise topics
• Use fewer words! (recommendation is half the word count of print document)
• Use bulleted and numbered lists (numbered when the order is important and bulleted when it isn’t)
• Use hyperlinks to more detail
• Use simple sentences
• Use pictures, graphs, charts and graphics to illustrate ideas ( a picture is worth 1000 words)
• Keep scrolling to a minimum
• When using hyperlinks to references and resources, always describe what information is available on that resource and also give the URL
• Check and recheck spelling.
• Only underline links!