Structuring content

People don’t read every word on a page. Instead they scan through content looking for certain words, headings or actions that will help them complete their task as quickly as possible, so we need to design content that's easy to scan.

Split up content with headings

Split up blocks of text with frequent headings so people can easily find the information they’re looking for.

It’s best to use a heading every time you start talking about something new. Design content so you can limit the text under each heading to a few sentences.

Do

Log in to your account

Use your email and password you set when you registered to log in to your account.

Create an account

On the website, follow these steps:

  • Go to ‘Account’ to register
  • Add in your email and personal details
  • Create a secure password

Update your account

Log in to your account via the website and from there you’ll be able to view your orders, update your details or add payment methods.

Don't

Account information

To log in to your account, use your email and password you set when you registered. If you’ve forgotten your password you can reset your password using your email.

If you need to create an account, go to ‘Account’ on the website, then add in your email and create a secure password.

To make changes to your account, you’ll need to log in via the website. From here you’ll be able to view your orders, update your details or add payment methods.


Use descriptive headings

Help people scan through content by writing headings in a descriptive way. The main message or action you want to get across should be in the heading and then expanded upon in the supporting text.

Do

Update your address

We'll make this new address your primary delivery address with us.

Don't

Are you sure?

We'll make this new address your primary delivery address with us.

Generic or vague headings don’t give enough useful information and that prevents people quickly finding the information they need.

Do

Deliveries are delayed right now

Because of road closures, your delivery might be delayed. Please keep checking back for more information.

Don't

Important information

Because of road closures, your delivery might be delayed. Please keep checking back for more information.


Front-load your content

Front-loading content means putting the most important information first. As people are more likely to notice content at the top of the page, you should design the hierarchy of your content so the most important information is at the very top.

You should also front-load sentences by putting the words you think people will be looking for at the start of the sentence.

Do
Your password is a 4-digit number on the back of your membership card.
Don't
Your membership card has a 4-digit number on the back which is used as your password.

Cut down your content

People don’t want to read lots of content, so get the message across using as few words as possible without losing the meaning.

Do
Log in to check out
Changes saved
Out of stock
Don't
You must log in before you can check out
Your changes have been successfully saved
This item is currently unavailable for collection or delivery

If there are words that aren't serving a purpose by adding new or important information, remove them from your content.

Do
That password didn't look right. Please try again.
Don't
Log in error: you entered an incorrect password. Please try and log in again.

Only give information when it's needed

People are unlikely to remember information if it’s given to them at a point where they can’t do anything about it. Too much information will also overwhelm people and they'll struggle to focus on the task at hand.

So reveal new information to people in a progressive manner at the right time and in the right place.


Get in touch

We can help answer any questions around content or get involved with your next project.