Writing Content for Print Documents
Writing clear content is a huge part of how well your audience understands your message. Web AIM, an organization that promotes web usability and accessibility, gives some great suggestions for writing clearly. Though the organization's focus is online writing, most of the principles are transferable into print documentation. Here are some general Universal Design guidelines for writing content in print documents:
- Write with a clear purpose in mind. Take your readers on a logical path toward accomplishing that purpose.
- Deal with one topic at a time. This will help readers focus and keep them from getting confused while reading material. Make sure you can cover the topic sufficiently in the space allowed.
- Use consistent terms and phrases throughout the writing. This helps guide readers when links are not an option.
- Provide a table of contents for longer documents. This will also give readers a guide to make reading easier.
- Avoid jargon and slang if possible. Readers might not be able to easily look up a term, so using more common language minimizes misunderstandings.
For more specific information on how to use Plain or People First Language in print, follow the links below.