10 Features of Easy Read

Every designer has their own style. Easy Read is an art and not a science, but there are some common features. Here is my run-down of 10 of them:

1. Easy words: language people use every day.
   

2. Short sentences, and use bullet lists where appropriate.
   

3. Short document length and low word count: how long and how low depends on the purpose of the information.
   

4. Bold headings: size 24pt or more.
   

5. Large body text: 16pt or more, always black - on a very light or white background.
   

6. No underlines: I do make an exception for hyperlinks.
   

7. Consistent layout and branding: repetition is a good thing!
   

8. Clear, unambiguous images.
   

9. 4-5 images down the left of the page - one for each paragraph.
   

10. Careful proof-reading for an accurate end-product and a happy reader!