Page Design

In design, it’s helpful to keep it simple, particularly when it comes to document layout.

Here are a few tips for how to do that:

• Avoid using multiple columns in a Google Doc or Microsoft Word document, if possible.
• Try to avoid clutter and too much content on the page.
• White/negative space ² is your friend. Try to ensure enough white/negative space around each element.
• Try to break up large chunks of text using headings, lists, tables, and other ways of organizing content.
• If possible, avoid using documents as forms for user input; use Qualtrics, Google Forms, or another tool instead.

Ensure the content is still fully readable when the screen is zoomed in to 200%. Readability at 200% zoom is something you can test yourself. Both Google Docs and Microsoft Word allow you to zoom in and out on a slide: Zoom in/out on a Google Doc and Zoom in/out on a Word Document.

When possible, use a color contrast checker tool. For more on this, review Color Contrast.

Believe it or not, the typefaces and fonts you select for your documents can greatly impact a learner’s experience. Beyond improving readability for all learners in your course, using a clear typeface is critical for students who may struggle with low vision, dyslexia, aphasia, or many other challenges to their learning.

When possible, use common and unembellished typefaces. For example, fonts like Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, and Times New Roman are clear and generally easy to read.

Try to avoid using more than 3 fonts in the same document.

If possible, avoid small text; e.g., try not to set your font size at less than 12pt.

In general, we recommend avoiding using Bold, italics, and ALL-CAPS for large chunks of continuous text (e.g., multiple sentences or paragraphs). Using these styles for single words or phrases to draw attention can be useful for emphasis and drawing attention to a particular point. However, using the Bold, italics, or ALL-CAPS for large chunks of text, such as multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs, can result in a loss of impact, as well as readability issues for some students.

Try to avoid using colors alone to distinguish between different parts of the document. This is especially important for students who have low vision, or who are colorblind – these students may struggle to absorb course content and its context.

Note: You can still use colors as long as there is a programmable way to distinguish between them as well; e.g., using accessible headings and labels

These strategies can help make the content easier to perceive and remember for all learners. However, they are especially helpful to those who:

• Have a memory barrier.
• Have difficulty maintaining focus and/or increased chance of getting distracted.
• Use certain assistive technologies, such as screen readers and screen magnifiers.
• Have low vision and/or struggle with perceiving color or distinguishing between certain colors.

There are many more scenarios where individuals may benefit from these strategies.