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Text und Images
Images and audio support understanding and as such they are promoted by the accessibility information technology regulation. Especially for people who cannot read well, images and simple symbols are important. Text and understandable images should complement each other and be meaningfully arranged. Avoid moving images as they distract from text. To note: even loading of pages with lots of graphics, symbols and photos and can be disturbing.
Visually impaired users need biggest possible and contrast rich images. For blind users the images should be described using alternative text. Through the text it should be clear what can be seen on the image. A note on the mood can be meaningful because a landscape with a rainbow creates a different atmosphere than the same landscape with a shining blue sky. Hearing impaired users need an alternative for acoustic information.
Users do not read internet pages word for word in the presented order. Visitors only read that what appears to be interesting and pages are skipped. On overview pages the interesting content is found quickly.
Basics for a good structure are titles. For a blind user its key that titles are also logically structured and not only optically. Only logical titles are showed in a separate list by a screen-reader. The list helps blind users to spring directly to interesting content. Through representative titles it will be clear to what free text they lead.
Most users search for information on the internet and it is important that content is understood. Always take care when writing that understandable language is used.
Only when the words are clear can the text be understood. Foreign words, very long words, technical terms and abbreviations can all be difficult to understand. Every 2nd German speaks little or no English. Elderly people can have difficulty with English words as many have not learnt any foreign languages in school. Use of English navigation terms such as site-map or home can reduce the interest of older internet beginners. Texts need to be written for users and not any authority or company.
Words that are short and commonly used are preferable. Abbreviations should be written in full or explained the first time they are used. Example: the full form of ISDN or PDF is not known by most users but in this case it is not a must to explain these abbreviations. Words which are difficult to understand and which must be used can be explained in a glossary.
Short sentences are easier to understand. As a guide, a sentence should have 10-15 words and no sentence should contain more than 20 words. Use positive language as negation can be misunderstood. When negation is needed it must be used as early as possible in the sentence.
When targeting a page towards a person with learning difficulties, use very simple language. In pages for emergency services, social services or people with learning difficulties, use of simple language is particularly recommended.
The most important information should be offered in simple language in addition to the standard text. A link to simple text should be accessible by an easily visible symbol. In Germany the label of Inclusion Europe is used for this.
Simple language for people with learning difficulties is easier than trying to create a simple language for all users. Use terms that have roots in every day speech and are not so abstract. Avoid word variation by always using the same word. Active verbs are preferred over substantive because the verb "approve" is easier to understand than "to give an approval". Examples can make difficult content easier and make text come alive.
Numbers should be shown as digits and not as words (for example "2" instead of "two"). Abstract numbers can be clarified using examples and comparisons (for example: instead of "so many people live in Frankfurt", use "500.000 people").