Objective: Use Clear and Understandable Content

See the Design Patterns for this objective.

Description

Some users have impaired language skills. More of these users understand content which uses easy to understand language. For example, someone with a language impairment may be able to understand simple sentences and common words. However, complex language with uncommon words may be inaccessible to them.

Help users understand the message and purpose of the page by using:

• easy to understand words,
• short sentences,
• simple tense,
• short blocks of text,
• unambiguous content,
• clear images, and
• easy to understand videos.

A good visual layout and small chunks of text makes content easier to understand. Use whitespace and good separation of foreground from background to help comprehension. Also, avoid relying on numerical or mathematical skills.

Design Patterns for this Objective

• Use Clear Words
• Use a Simple Tense and Voice
• Avoid Double Negatives or Nested Clauses
• Use Literal Language
• Keep Text Succinct
• Use Clear, Unambiguous Formatting and Punctuation
• Include Symbols and Letters Necessary to Decipher the Words
• Provide Summary of Long Documents and Media
• Separate Each Instruction
• Use White Spacing
• Ensure Foreground Content is not Obscured by Background
• Explain Implied Content
• Provide Alternatives for Numerical Concepts