Most digital readers do not read every word from top to bottom. Instead, they scan the page in an “F-shape” pattern, looking for cues that tell them where the most important information lives.
The “Why”
- Reduced Cognitive Fatigue: For students with dyslexia or processing disorders, a wall of text is a physical barrier. Breaking it up makes the content approachable.
- Information Retrieval: Students often return to a document to find one specific fact (like a due date). Proper structure allows them to find that fact in seconds.
- Mobile Accessibility: On small smartphone screens, long paragraphs become even more difficult to manage. Short, structured blocks of text are much easier to read on the go.
Examples: Before vs. After
The “Wall of Text” Problem
- Bad: “In this course, you will be expected to complete several types of assignments including weekly journals which are due every Sunday night by 11:59 p.m., and you also have to participate in two group projects that will require outside-of-class coordination, and finally, there is a comprehensive final exam that will be hosted on Canvas during the last week of the semester, but please note that late work is generally not accepted unless there is a documented emergency.”
- Good:
Course Requirements:
- Weekly Journals: Due Sundays by 11:59 p.m.
- Group Projects: Two projects (requires outside coordination).
- Final Exam: Online via Canvas (Final week).
Note on Late Work: Late submissions require a documented emergency.
- The Difference: The “Good” version uses a bold heading, bullet points, and a distinct note to separate different types of information. It is instantly “scannable.”
The “Visual Noise” Problem
- Bad: *** IMPORTANT: READ THIS ***
- The Result: A screen reader will literally say “Asterisk, asterisk, asterisk, IMPORTANT, READ THIS, asterisk, asterisk, asterisk.” It creates “auditory clutter” that the user has to sit through.
- Good (Clean Emphasis):
Important: Read this section for details on the final exam. - The Difference: By simply bolding the word “Important” (using the bold button in the editor), you create a strong visual cue for sighted readers without creating a “speed bump” for screen reader users. This is cleaner for the eye and much faster for a screen reader to process.
How-To: Strategies for Success
- The “One Idea” Paragraph: Limit paragraphs to 3–5 sentences. If you find yourself hitting “Enter” only once every half-page, your paragraphs are too long.
- Use Lists for Sequences: If you are describing a series of steps or a group of items, use a bulleted or numbered list.
- Tip: Use numbers only if the order matters. Use bullets if the items are equal in importance.
- Front-load Your Topic Sentences: Put the most important information in the first sentence of every paragraph.
- Strategic Bolding: Bold key terms or deadlines so they “pop” out of the paragraph.
- Caution: Don’t over-bold (e.g., bolding entire paragraphs), or nothing will stand out.
- Use Meaningful White Space: Leave space between sections. White space isn’t “empty” space; it’s a visual “breath” for the reader.
- Check for Logical Flow: Ensure your headings act as a roadmap. If someone only read your headings, would they still understand the general outline of your content?
Apply This to Your Work
Ready to structure your content? See the specific technical steps for your preferred platform: