Information Display
One way writers can universally design their print materials is displaying information in ways that everyone can access and understand. All the important information in the world can be lost when it gets buried in a block of text. For this reason, you must carefully decide how to display information. Here are some ways to design information displays universally.
- Use headings to break up sections of information so users can navigate easily through the document.
- For longer documents, provide a table of contents. This is something users expect, and it helps guide them through the document.
- When writing items that must be done in a particular order, use numbered lists to indicate the order.
- Items in lists that do not have any sequence are well represented with bullet points.
- Use tables and graphs to display information when it would be more easily understandable for your audience. Be careful not to overuse them, though.
- Put information where users expect it to be. For example, on a tri-fold brochure or pamphlet, contact information is normally on the back page or at the bottom of the front page. Keeping information where users expect it lowers the effort they have to put in to find it.
- Display information in ways that will not overwhelm users. This can be tricky in print because space costs money, but you must reasonably allow for users to read information clearly. If this means stretching assembly instructions across a two-page 8x11 spread instead of on a post card-sized pamphlet, it may be better in the long run.
- If possible, provide an alternative method for users to receive information. This may be an online presence where people can go to find the same information and have it delivered through a screen reader or other accommodative device.