MobileWritingStyle
Concise, clear, focused writing is especially important for mobile content. Because mobile devices have physically smaller displays, it is more important to put more information into less text. While writing style is a subjective, non-technical topic, this technique attempts to provide specific guidance as to how authors should approach writing mobile content.
Implementation Steps:
- Use the active voice. It can result in slightly shorter, clearer text. Compare:
- "The bill was passed by Congress today." (passive)
- "Congress passed the bill today." (active)
- Prefer simple constructions. Brevity and clarity are more important than literary style. Strive to use the shortest construction that clearly captures the meaning. Compare:
- "It is expected that, if no objections are raised by the opposing party, that the bill, being proposed by the senator from Alaska, will without delay be approved by a large majority of those who are present in the Senate."
- "The Alaskan senator's bill will likely pass by a large majority in the Senate, if the opposing party does not object."
- Place important information first. Use a traditional journalistic style which puts facts -- who, what, when, where, why -- in the first sentence or two. Example:
- "The Pittsburgh Steelers today defeated the Seattle Seahawks to win Super Bowl XL in Detroit, Michigan. For coach Bill Cowher..."
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