After an online investigation, the Society of Technical Communication's describe the major features of documents containing user-centered design (USD). They are visibility, accessibility, legibility and language. 1
Visibility: The viewer should effectively be able to navigate their way through the document.
Accessibility: Easy access helps the viewer locate the needed information quickly and efficiently
Legibility: Font choice is important when ensuring the viewer can easily read the document. Also, a high contrast between the font color and background will aid in legibility.
Language: Technical language should be avoided when providing information to a wide-range of viewers. Everyday terms as well as easy-to-read sentences should be used. 2
The goal of user-centered design principles is to develop documents that are engaging and easy for people to use. An UCD approach should enhance the user’s experience. When a document is easy-to-use, people will continually reference it. 3
An example of a workplace document that effectively displays a user-centered design is, Fall Prevention in the Workplace by ERI Safety. The document contains all the major features of user-centered design. The viewer can visually navigate through the document to find needed information. The headings and subheading as well as bolded and italicized words help access information quickly. Each heading is in bolded font, while the subheadings are italicized. Adequate white space and bulleted information is also provided. The document is written in an easy-to-read font with an appropriate font size. The font is black with a white background, making is very legible. The document is effectively written in a non-technical language, making it easy for the users to understand.
1 Raïssa Katz-Haas, “Ten Guidelines for User-Centered Design,” stc.org, http://www.stcsig.org/usability/topics/articles/ucd%20_web_devel.html (accessed April 30, 2011).
2 Raïssa Katz-Haas, “Ten Guidelines for User-Centered Design.”
3 Raïssa Katz-Haas, “Ten Guidelines for User-Centered Design.”
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