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Summary
Design |
Delays
Graphics |
Navigation
Chunks |
Content
Distractions |
Futures
References |
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If text is meant to be scanned, keep it short (less than two screenfuls). Text meant for reading can be longer.I think that the issue of "chunks", how to divide up information, is one of the trickiest of the Web issues. This page contains some general thoughts on the issue -- the definitive answer is yet to come!
It probably makes sense to divide information into relatively small chunks (ranging from one paragraph in size to several pages).
Several years ago, users were loath to scroll. According to recent studies, however, they have become accustomed to scrolling. Even so, Nielsen advises pages should be three screenfuls or less on an average monitor. Alertbox (Dec 1, 1997): Changes in Web Usability Since 1994
It would be good to create "Printable" versions of a Web site; or a group of Web pages. For example, a script that would check to see if HTML files have changed; if they have, to generate a big HTML file based on several smaller ones. This is much easier to print out. Most people prefer to print out Web pages if they are going to be reading much.
Writing purely for the Web is good for answering quick questions. For scanning, and skimming. When the subject requires background information and in-depth understanding, then the traditional model of reading/writing come into play. People tend to print out the document and read it in hardcopy form. In this mode, the "chunks" of information are long -- usually in one HTML or PDF file -- or in chapters. Alertbox (Feb 1996): In Defense of Print