• Structure

• Design

Structure

• Use a table of contents to help make the structure clear

• Use lots of informative headings

• Write short sections

• Include only one issue in each paragraph

• Use vertical lists (dot-points and numbering)

Design

• Use good contrast

• Avoid shading

• Avoid shiny, glossy paper

• Use light coloured paper

• Give adequate margins (at least 2.5 cm)

• Use left justification

• Leave space between paragraphs rather than indenting paragraphs

• Allow ample space on forms

• Set line spacing at 25% greater than the text

• Use sans serif fonts like Arial or Verdana

• Use a font size at least as big as Arial 12 point

• Use bold to emphasise important points, rather than italics, underline or all capitals

• Format headings by varying size, font, and allowing space before and after

• Avoid breaking words at the end of the line

For a demonstration of some of these aspects of design, see:

• Demonstration

• Text version of demonstration