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HomeGuidelines > 2. Make text scannable. > 2a. Create a meaningful title. > Challenges                                                           

 

Diagram

Background

Examples

Audience Fit

Challenges

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Challenges

Improve these titles.

(a)  For an overview of a set of procedures on how to create a form letter, tying a database into a word processing document: Mail Merge

(b)  From the menu of a Web store, offering a FAQ using the site: ScenicSite General User Information

(c)  From a report on successful use of micro machines to monitor and control the transmission of a vehicle on slippery surfaces, particularly wet or ice roadways, but also including excessive gravel or sand, and oil slicks: Sandia Corporate Partnership—Little Machines

(d)  A 100-page web site in which the opening section’s title is An Integrated Planning Process to Support DOE Missions by Anticipating Customer Needs and New Opportunities in a Competitive Economy.

(e)  An inspirational message to sales people for the chain of spas called Fit for a New Future, based on the life of Arnold Schwarzenegger, focusing on his individualism, visualization techniques, hard work, and willingness to take risks. Current title: Poster Publishing Company: Business and Management Books: New Challenges

(f)  A procedure for modifying the prices of items delivered directly to the user’s supermarket, such as flowers and bread. Current title: Food Services: Pricing Group: Methods for Modifying Prices on Direct Delivery Items.

(g)  In a troubleshooting section, a page that provides an analysis of the probable causes of the problem (one checkout stand is down, in a supermarket checkout), and suggestions for solutions (checking the power, and so on). Current title: Checkout.

(h)  First sentence: The Emerging Threats program develops high-impact responses to national security challenges. Current title: Sandia National Laboratories | Programs | Emerging Threats

Answers=>

 

Reflecting on Scannability

Mr. Swinburne is famed or infamed for having used a great many words which express nothing but "color" or "splendor." It has been said that he used the same adjectives to describe a woman and a sunset.
--Ezra Pound

Answers

 

(a)  About Form Letters

 

(b)  FAQ
 

(c)  Micro Machines Keep Cars From Slipping: Sandia Corporate Partnership

 

(d)  Anticipating Customer Needs in a Competitive Economy

 

(e)  Arnold Schwarzenegger Inspires Fit for a New Future

 

 

(f)  Modifying Prices on Direct Delivery Items (Food Services)


 

(g)  Checkout Stand Down: Analysis and Solution


 

(h) Emerging Threats: Sandia National Laboratories Program

 

 

Other ways to make text scannable

2b. Insert meaningful
      headlines and
      subheads.

2c. Highlight keywords and
      phrases--and links.

2d. Turn any list into a
       bulleted or numbered
       list.

Resources on scannability

Taking a Position on Scannability

Heuristic Online Text (HOT) Evaluation for Scannability

Poster

 

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