Written Communication Design Questions
The following questions are designed to support you in the development of new written communication for members of the public:
- Is important information presented in order of importance and in a logical order? For example, is similar information grouped together?
- Is important information structured in a way so that it is easy to find? (Using table of contents, headings, sub-headings and so on).
- Is the layout consistent? Are recurring features presented in the same location? (For example, page numbers and logos).
- Is important information clear, concise and easy to understand the first time it is read?
- Is the information written in plain English? Where you must use technical words, have you explained, in plain English, what it means?
- Where applicable is the information available in other languages?
- Have you avoided using terms, abbreviations or acronyms that may not be familiar to the reader?
- Are the symbols and words used familiar to the reader?
- Do you present important information in different ways? (For example, using audio, touch or images)
- Is the information accessible to people using assistive technologies (such as screen readers)?