Writing for online Audiences

Jennifer JahedkarExtension eLearning

https://extendingextension.wordpress.com/


How Do Users Read Online?

The areas where users looked the most are red; then yellow, then blue. Gray areas got NO eyeball time.

Eye movements follow an F-shaped pattern: two horizontal stripes then a vertical stripe.

http://www.useit.com/



They don't.


They SCAN.


Online audiences need:


•SCANNABLE text


•scannable text•MEANINGFUL sub-headings


•scannable text•meaningful sub-headings•BULLETED points


•scannable text•meaningful sub-headings•bulleted points•HALF the word count

Nebraska is filled with internationally recognized attractions that draw large crowds of people every year, without fail. In 1996, some of the most popular places were Fort Robinson State Park (355,000 visitors), Scotts Bluff National Monument (132,166), Arbor Lodge State Historical Park & Museum (100,000), Carhenge (86,598), Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer (60,002), and Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park (28,446).

Jakob Nielsen- How Users Read on the Web http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9710a.html

http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9710a.html



Use neutral, objective words rather than subjective words



Nebraska has several attractions. In 1996, some of the most-visited places were Fort Robinson State Park (355,000 visitors), Scotts Bluff National Monument (132,166), Arbor Lodge State Historical Park & Museum (100,000), Carhenge (86,598), Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer (60,002), and Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park (28,446).

=+ 27% in readability

using neutral, objective words rather than subjective words





Use a scan-friendly layout



Nebraska is filled with internationally recognized attractions that draw large crowds of people every year, without fail. In 1996, some of the most popular places were:

• Fort Robinson State Park (355,000 visitors) • Scotts Bluff National Monument (132,166) • Arbor Lodge State Historical Park & Museum (100,000) • Carhenge (86,598) • Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer (60,002) • Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park (28,446).


using the same text in a scan-friendly layout


using a scan-friendly layout




Use 1/2 the number of words



In 1996, six of the best-attended attractions in Nebraska were Fort Robinson State Park, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park & Museum, Carhenge , Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, and Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park.


using concise wording with about half the number of words





Use text that is concise, scannable, and objective



In 1996, six of the most-visited places in Nebraska were: • Fort Robinson State Park• Scotts Bluff National Monument• Arbor Lodge State Historical Park & Museum• Carhenge• Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer• Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park


using text that’s concise, scannable, and objective



Use text that is

concisescannableobjective

Don’t be afraid of space

Space

give learners a chance to breathe

an opportunity to rest

time to reflect and digest new ideas and concepts

Jennifer JahedkarExtension eLearning



Writing for online Audiences

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