What is Readability?
Readability refers to writing that is clear, concise, and easy to understand for a broad audience. It involves using simple language, short sentences, and familiar words while avoiding complex jargon and technical terminology. For example, instead of writing "utilize," you would write "use," or instead of "commence," you would write "start."
Good readability means organizing content with clear headings, bullet points, and logical flow. It also includes using active voice rather than passive voice, such as "We will send your order" instead of "Your order will be sent by us."
Importance in Digital Accessibility
Readability is a crucial component of web accessibility and digital inclusion. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 address readability under Success Criterion 3.1.5 (Reading Level), which requires text to be written at a lower secondary education level when possible.
Clear, readable content particularly benefits:
- People with cognitive disabilities, dyslexia, or learning differences
- Non-native speakers and multilingual users
- Users with limited literacy skills
- Elderly users who may process information more slowly
- Anyone using mobile devices or reading in distracting environments
Meeting accessibility compliance standards like WCAG, ADA, and Germany's BFSG often requires demonstrating that content is written in plain language appropriate for the intended audience.
Implementation Tips for Web and CMS Platforms
To improve readability in your digital content:
- Use readability tools: Integrate tools like Hemingway Editor, Grammarly, or built-in readability checkers in WordPress and other CMS platforms
- Structure content clearly: Use descriptive headings (H2, H3), bullet points, and short paragraphs (2-3 sentences maximum)
- Choose simple words: Replace complex terms with everyday alternatives - "help" instead of "assist," "show" instead of "demonstrate"
- Keep sentences short: Aim for 15-20 words per sentence maximum
- Define necessary jargon: When technical terms are unavoidable, provide clear definitions or glossaries
- Use active voice: Write "The team completed the project" instead of "The project was completed by the team"
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Many content creators believe that simple language means "dumbing down" content or that it will make them appear less professional. This is incorrect - clear writing demonstrates expertise by making complex ideas accessible.
Other common mistakes include:
- Using unnecessarily complex vocabulary to sound authoritative
- Writing extremely long sentences with multiple clauses
- Assuming all users share the same cultural or linguistic background
- Neglecting to test content with actual users who have cognitive disabilities
- Focusing only on automated readability scores without considering context and user needs
Best Practice and Key Takeaway
The most important principle for accessible content readability is to write for your audience, not to impress them. Start by identifying your users' needs and literacy levels, then structure your content accordingly.
Best practice: Aim for a reading level appropriate to your audience - typically 8th-9th grade level for general web content. Use short paragraphs, familiar words, and clear headings. Test your content with real users, including those with cognitive disabilities, to ensure it truly meets accessibility standards.
Remember that readable content benefits everyone - it improves user experience, increases engagement, and supports digital inclusion by making information accessible to the widest possible audience.