Usability and web content

An overview of content basics for web writers

When writing web content, get right to the point of what you want to say on a page. Offer a summary of what the page contains that hints at how useful the page will be for specific users or tells them immediately what they have come to the page for. (If you don't know why this is, you better find out soon). Then reel them in with all the relevant links and info they might also be looking for.

Tried and true content usability basics
Here is a checklist of some essentials of the usability of web content. You can read a fuller explanation of all these content usability basics:

• The F shaped pattern of reading and scanning.
• You have no more than 20 words to let readers know where they are.
• Literacy varies and most users have low literacy.
• Use easy, legible, appealing fonts and colours.
• Passive voice can be better than active.
• Don't go on too long.

Usability of web content on the web today - and tomorrow
With the increasingly social and interactive nature of the web, there are different considerations to bear in mind when creating usable content. While you cannot control user based content except through style sheets and design, there are some aspects of professionally created content that require attention to usability. Read about some 2.0 elements, especially the usability of e-newsletters and Internet video.

What will content 3.0 be like?
Among the many changes coming or already on the near horizon, touch screens, mouse-free browsing, along with ever-growing bandwidth are going to completely alter the kind of content we will be using. We will be using the Internet in more places and we will be accessing more information online, faster, in an increasing variety of forms and formats, across an increasing variety of platforms that will be more transparent all the time.

read more in our guide to content:

• Usability of video & newsletters
• Essential points about the usability of content
• Contact Interpix's usability experts via our contact page.