Writing vs. Print
Navigation
Like a printed book is divided into chapters, a well-designed web page will have its contents organized in some fashion such as categories. You could also compare the index of a physical copy with a basic web search engine that allows the user to find particular words/phrases within the site. Consider what will seem intuitive to the person visiting your site. Where would they expect to find XYZ information? Does it make sense that it is grouped under a certain category, or would it fit more appropriately elsewhere? The last thing you want is for a user to get frustrated and leave because they can't successfully navigate to the information they need.
Graphics
Printed graphics are very different from graphics for the web. This is largely because of the way pixels are displayed in these two worlds. As opposed to dots of ink on a piece of paper, a quality web graphic will have pixels much closer together. This helps to explain why scanning a photograph into a computer often results in a very "grainy" image. It becomes quite apparent how spread out the print pixels are and the awkward transfer to the web.
Printed graphics are very different from graphics for the web. This is largely because of the way pixels are displayed in these two worlds. As opposed to dots of ink on a piece of paper, a quality web graphic will have pixels much closer together. This helps to explain why scanning a photograph into a computer often results in a very "grainy" image. It becomes quite apparent how spread out the print pixels are and the awkward transfer to the web.
Text
Unlike printed materials, the text contained on the web can be hyperlinked, have a highlighted appearance when scrolled over, and many other helpful features can be utilized. Consider what the user will expect when viewing text. For example, a word or phrase that is underlined is possibly assumed to be "clickable" (hyperlinked). The same goes for an image that either has a border around it or causes a regular cursor to change to what is called a "pointer" or hand.
User Experience
Scannability
The way users read a web page varies dramatically from how they read printed materials. Whereas those reading a paper article are more likely to read thoroughly to gain information, readers of the web tend to scan. This is partically because individuals reading printed materials are taking the time to absorb, while online readers are very hasty. Therefore, if you want a web user to remain on and use your page, steps must be taken to accomodate this hurried and often distracted group. You can improve scannability by:
Visually impaired
User Experience
Scannability
The way users read a web page varies dramatically from how they read printed materials. Whereas those reading a paper article are more likely to read thoroughly to gain information, readers of the web tend to scan. This is partically because individuals reading printed materials are taking the time to absorb, while online readers are very hasty. Therefore, if you want a web user to remain on and use your page, steps must be taken to accomodate this hurried and often distracted group. You can improve scannability by:
- Use of bulleting - A very effective method of getting the user to read and retain information is the use of bulleted formatting in your text. When they are able to see individual points as they scan, the result is a great example of what the text consideres "visually forgiving" text.
- Eliminating big paragraphs - One of the quickest ways of losing a user's interest is by placing large intimidating paragraphs in front of them. Web users want their information fast, so breaking these large paragraphs down into digestible chunks will increase the likelihood of the user's positive and informative experience on your site.
Initial View
Initial view refers to the first page of text, images, etc. the user sees when visiting a site or page. The user will look for the essentials they need on this initial view, and if they don't see the material itself or a clear indication of where to find it, changes are they will leave. For this reason, it is important to avoid the need to scroll down to see more info whenever possibleVisually impaired
Web writers must consider visually impaired users. This group could include those who have no vision, low vision or who are color-blind. Thinking about use of colors, sound, etc. is crucial to addressing your visually impaired users.
Grammar
Web writing should utilize proper grammar at all times. Failure to do so decreases the integrity of your information and makes it difficult to read. However, you must also make sure the content is not too wordy. The typical writing rules to not apply to the web. The book gives a perfect example in one of its headings reading "Before you write, you need some tools. And a process. And a team." Obviously, any English teacher would cringe at these fragments, but they are written considering web users' unconventional way of reading on the web. Make your content as short and to the point as possible while remaining informative.
Web writing should utilize proper grammar at all times. Failure to do so decreases the integrity of your information and makes it difficult to read. However, you must also make sure the content is not too wordy. The typical writing rules to not apply to the web. The book gives a perfect example in one of its headings reading "Before you write, you need some tools. And a process. And a team." Obviously, any English teacher would cringe at these fragments, but they are written considering web users' unconventional way of reading on the web. Make your content as short and to the point as possible while remaining informative.
