A form says Bank account for your refund, explains when the refund arrives, and uses clear field labels and short help beside each field.
Chapter 03 / 14
Make text carry the work
Use type, headings, and sentence structure to support scanning and close reading.
Your goalRewrite one screen as a heading outline and three short explanatory paragraphs. Check whether a reader can predict each section from its heading.
01 / Begin with the task
The principle
Interface text gives names to tasks, explains consequences, and helps people recover. Typography makes those words readable and reveals their relationships.
- Type scale
- A small set of text sizes and roles used across headings, body text, labels, and supporting copy.
- Measure
- The length of a line of text, which affects reading comfort.
- Semantic heading
- A heading that communicates the document outline to visual readers and assistive technology.
Choose a body style that supports sustained reading, then give headings a clear relationship to the sections they introduce. Keep labels visible beside their controls. Use sentence case and familiar words where the task allows. A concise heading identifies the subject; a paragraph explains the decision or action.
Review text as a sequence. Read only the headings to check the outline, then read the body to see whether each paragraph adds one idea. Check line length and spacing at several widths. A readable type system supports both quick scanning and careful review.
02 / Follow a method
Apply it in four steps
- Write headings as a useful outline of the task.
- Assign consistent styles to heading, body, label, and help roles.
- Set comfortable line length and paragraph spacing.
- Read the page at mobile width, zoom, and with headings navigation.
03 / Compare outcomes
Strong and weak execution
A form uses a decorative headline, dense small print, and placeholder labels; the person searches for the refund timing and the meaning of each field.
Why the outcome changes
The strong copy names the purpose of the form and keeps field meaning visible during entry. The weak copy makes the person remember placeholder text and search dense prose for the consequence. A review should read the headings alone, then complete each field while checking the label and help at the point of use.
04 / Use the method
Practice on a real screen
Rewrite one screen as a heading outline and three short explanatory paragraphs. Check whether a reader can predict each section from its heading.
Review your work
- The headings form a useful outline when read alone.
- Labels remain visible while the person answers.
- Body copy explains the decision or consequence beside the relevant action.
Keep your observation, interpretation, and proposed change together. Use the related patterns to inspect complete interaction states.