Category Archives: Chapter 5: Usability

Additional suggested readings

Stephen Few, Information Dashboard Design: The Effective Visual Communication of Data (Available on WorldCat library catalog) Edward Tufte, The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint (Available on WorldCat library catalog)

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Additional Resources from Usability.gov

The US Department of Health and Human Services offers this guide on effective visual presentation of web-based content. Usability basics Usability methods Customizable Templates

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Research-Based Web Design & Usability Guidelines, at Usability.gov

The US Department of Health and Human Services offers this guide on effective visual presentation of web-based content. The Research-Based Web Design & Usability Guidelines, Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2006.

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Best Practices in the Use of Technology to Facilitate Access to Justice Initiatives, by the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University

Phil Malone et al., Best Practices in the Use of Technology to Facilitate Access to Justice Initiatives, Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University (2010). Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society draws upon recent research to evaluate … Continue reading

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Additional resources

plainlanguage.gov: This site explores the plain language movement and offers examples, tips and tools including guidelines, a word suggestion list, before and after comparisons, and more. The Center for Plain Language: This site provides information, guidelines and tips on communicating … Continue reading

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Looks Matter: A Transcend Lesson on Plain Language and Readability

Transcend discusses how aesthetic tools should be employed in order to maximize your work’s readability. Of the materials offered in this section, this is most most visually oriented.

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The Principles of Readability by William H. DuBay

This article offers a short history of literacy studies in the U.S. and a short history of research in readability and the readability formulas. These histories help the reader to understand why some readability techniques are more popular or effective … Continue reading

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Plain Language tools from WriteClearly.org

A website by Legal Assistance of Western New York (LawNY) that includes a collections of legal aid-focused plain language documents, online tools and other plain language resources. WriteClearly’s library The Online Plain Language Gadget Plain Language Glossary Plain Language Collection

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A Plain Language Handbook: Write For Your Reader, by NWT Literacy Council

This handbook gives you the tools to write or edit your documents in plain language and aesthetic simplicity. The handbook provides comprehensive and nuanced instruction while also serving as a complete example of simple, effective information presentation. Specifics tips are … Continue reading

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Jeff Hogue’s Plain Language Online Course: A Self Guided Learning Experience

Jeff Hogue offers various techniques to ensure effective presentation of information. Hogue’s stepwise lessons cover topics such as aesthetic tools, plainness of language, awareness of one’s audience, and much more. Students are encouraged to peruse the contents listed on the … Continue reading

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