Overview
A guide to the techniques listed here.
Last modified: 4/9/98
This section of the Good Documents web site has lots of do's and don'ts -- words of wisdom that you should understand when writing for reading on-screen. The techniques fall into a few groups.
How to write the text
These techniques apply to the words and phrases you write. They include "Write links that don't have to be followed", "Use lists", and "Be concise". Some of these have examples of good and bad.
How to lay out within pages
These techniques help you organize the text and links inside of a single page. They include "Use heads, subheads, and summaries", "Write newspaper style", and "Use typography and layout for skimming".
How to design pages
These techniques help you organize and layout individual pages. They include "Use screen designs, not paper designs", "Distinguish different types of pages", "Place page elements carefully", and "When (and how) to use frames".
How to organize documents
These techniques apply to the whole document. They include "Provide detail", "Use maps", and "Know your audience and their needs".
Overall strategies
How to go about making everything work, including "Test new designs" and "When (and how) to use frames".