DESIGNING READABLE WHITE PAPERS
#1 rule of document design:
UNDERSTAND YOUR READERS
• They’re busy.• They don’t care about you or your ideas
(or even if they do, they won’t necessarily take the time to read something that looks difficult.
• They will skim.
AND DESIGN ACCORDINGLY
GENERAL STRATEGIES• Create a clear visual hierarchy.• Chunk into bite-size pieces – use white
space.• Use meaningful headings.• Use clear topic sentences to facilitate
skimming.• Be as concise as possible while still being
persuasive.
POOR VISUAL HIERARCHY
ontrast
epetition
lignment
roximity
C
AR
PWhat does that spell? (Wait, what?)
Create contrast with color.
CONTRAST – BE BOLD
Create contrast with typeface.
Repeat colors, headings/subheading types, words to create clear visual hierarchy.
REPETITION
ALIGNMENT
Strong alignments guide the reader’s eye.
PRO TIP 1: Don’t center everything.
PRO TIP 2: Use a grid to design (and the rule of thirds).
PROXIMITY
Keep related ideas together.
Someone failed to consider proximity…
WORD tools for document design…• Header/footer• Tables• Shapes• Text boxes• Columns• Insert photos/text wrap
When in doubt, remember: simpler is better.