Use of Language

When designing your website, the use of language is an important factor. Some important things to consider are:

• Use language that is familiar to the user as opposed to system-oriented terms.
• Make information appear in a natural and logical order.
• Use consistent language. Do not make the user wonder if certain terms refer to the same thing.
• Avoid using jargon or words that your average user would not understand.
• Define acronymns and abbreviations and use abbreviations sparingly.
• Limit the number of words in sentences and sentences in paragraphs.
• Use active voice when writing text.
• Write instructions in the positive rather than the negative.
• The first sentence of each paragraph should describe the paragraph.