Editing that works: Techniques
7. Demolish walls of words
7. Demolish walls of words.
Solid blocks of text are intimidating. Break them up.
Use bulleted lists for items or choices
If you have a selection of different items separated by commas then try writing them as a bulleted list.
Use numbered lists for instructions
If you want people to do things in a specific order, such as following instructions, then use a numbered list.
Use visuals when they help
Here are some of the places where something visual may help:
| If... | Then... |
| Your content needs brightening up | Choose a photo or graphic |
| You need to show two-dimensional relationships | Choose a diagram |
| There's a standard visual representation, such as showing dates on a calendar | Use the obvious representation |
Try to make sure that any visual element that you use is beautiful or useful.
Use tables to organise repetitive text or data
Think of tables as a collection of 'if... then' sentences. Read the first column as the 'if' part of the sentence, and the other columns as the 'then' parts. We put an example just above.
The next technique is about links
Up to now, the techniques are for any written material. The next one is specifically for digital 8. Launch and land on the same name
Extra thoughts
Tip: check that your table works row-by-row
Screen readers, used by blind people, can't 'see' the meaning of a table. Check that your table makes sense when it is read row-by-row across the table.
Tip: use a checklist for photos
Evaluating the usability of web photos shows how a checklist can help you to decide whether a photo is working for you.
Where from
The idea of breaking up solid blocks of text has been around since journalists started using headlines in the 1870s.
Where to find out more
chapter 11: Using lists and tables
chapter 13: Using illustrations effectively
