Focus on users'
tasks; write only what is necessary for users to complete them.
Avoid unnecessary
and redundant information.
Keep tasks short.
Design text for easy scanning
Users often scan, rather than read, text, so design the information
for scanning.
Place the most important points first and then add supplemental
information if necessary.
If you have multiple pieces of information to convey, use bulleted
lists for easier scanning.
Users read actionable text before explanatory text, so place actions
first and then add explanations if necessary.
Assume that once users have decided what to do, they immediately
stop reading and do it.
Use See Also links at the end of topics to refer users to related information.
Avoid inline links whenever possible.
Avoid large blocks of text
Keep only one topic per paragraph.
Avoid long, complex sentences. Write so readers only have to read
the sentence once.
Keep your average sentence length less than 17 words.
Make smooth transitions, using words and phrases such as also,
in addition, moreover, consequently, however, although, for example,
next, first, finally, and in contrast.
In running text, generally avoid a string of one-sentence paragraphs.
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