11

Using Lists and Tables

A great way to let go of words without losing essential meaning is to use lists and tables. Lists put active space around each item. Tables take away redundant words. Both let people skim and scan.

Six guidelines for useful lists

Let’s start with six guidelines for useful and usable lists.

1. Use bulleted lists for items or options.

2. Match bullets to your site’s personality.

3. Use numbered lists for instructions.

4. Keep most lists short.

5. Try to start list items the same way.

6. Format lists well.

1 Use bulleted lists for items or options

A list is easy to skim and scan.

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When you were reading the paragraph version, ...

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