Print: Checklist

Checklist

Health Literacy Online Strategies Checklist

The information in this guide is designed to help you create user-friendly health websites and digital health tools. Below is a printable checklist of the strategies outlined in Health Literacy Online.

Write Actionable Content

  • Identify user motivations and goals.
  • Put the most important information first.30
  • Describe the health behavior—just the basics.
  • Stay positive. Include the benefits of taking action.
  • Provide specific action steps.
  • Write in plain language.
  • Check content for accuracy.

Display Content Clearly on the Page

  • Limit paragraph size. Use bullets and short lists.
  • Use meaningful headings.
  • Use a readable font that’s at least 16 pixels.
  • Use white space and avoid clutter.
  • Keep the most important content above the fold—even on mobile.24,30
  • Use links effectively.
  • Use color or underline to identify links.
  • Use images that help people learn.
  • Use appropriate contrast.
  • Make web content printer friendly.
  • Make your site accessible to people with disabilities.
  • Make websites responsive.
  • Design mobile content to meet mobile users’ needs.

Organize Content and Simplify Navigation

  • Create a simple and engaging homepage.
  • Label and organize content with your users in mind.
  • Create linear information paths.
  • Give buttons meaningful labels.
  • Make clickable elements recognizable.
  • Make sure the browser “Back” button works.
  • Provide easy access to home and menu pages.
  • Give users options to browse.
  • Include a simple search function.
  • Display search results clearly.

Engage Users

  • Share information through multimedia.
  • Design intuitive interactive graphics and tools.
  • Provide tailored information.
  • Create user-friendly forms and quizzes.
  • Consider social media sharing options.

Test Your Site with Users with Limited Literacy Skills

  • Recruit users with limited literacy skills—and limited health literacy skills.
  • Identify and eliminate logistical barriers to participation.
  • Create plain language testing materials.
  • Test whether your content is understandable and actionable.
  • Use moderators who have experience with users with limited literacy skills.
  • Pretest your moderator’s guide.
  • Use multiple strategies to make sure participants understand what you want them to do.
  • Test on mobile.