Content structure
- Break up content to make it easy for users to scan and digest.
- Use short sentences.
- Check sentences longer than 25 words to see if they can be split into shorter, clearer sentences.
- Use short paragraphs of around 3 sentences.
- Check longer paragraphs to see if they can be split into smaller paragraphs or lists.
Headings
Use an initial capital for the first word and any proper nouns.
Don't use full stops at the end of headings.
Do
Lists
Use:
- bulleted lists to list items or points
- numbered lists when the sequence is important
- nested lists when there is extra information attached to some items.
If there is a lead-in phrase, use a colon (not a full stop) at the end of the phrase.
Bulleted lists
Bulleted list items can be complete sentences or fragments.
When the list items are complete sentences, we capitalise the first word of every list item and end each item with a full stop.
When the list items are fragments, we:
- start with a lead-in phrase that is common to all the list items
- start each item with a lowercase letter
- check that each item makes a full sentence when read with the lead-in phrase
- don't use a comma or semicolon after each list item
- don't use 'and' after the second-to-last item
- use a full stop on the last list item.
If there is a choice between items in a list, use the following examples.
For 2 list items, use 'or' after the first item:
Example
For more than 2 items, include a lead-in phrase like 'if any of the following apply':
Example
You'll need to visit a service centre to replace your licence if any of the following apply:
For 4 items or more, with a choice between 1 or 2:
Example
If applying online you'll need to upload a copy of your:
Numbered lists
Use a numbered list for a stepped process, or to describe multiple examples of things.
Start each step with a capital letter and end with a full stop.
Do
How to apply
Do
You'll get 3 kinds of cards:
Nested lists
Use nested lists to clearly describe an item within an item or step.
Use a bulleted list within a bulleted list, or a bulleted list within a numbered list. Don't use a numbered list within a bulleted list.
Do
If you're 18 years or older and the:
Do
How to apply
Do not
If you're 18 years or older and the:
Formatting
Bold text
Use bold text sparingly. Blocks of bold text are hard to read.
Underline
Don't underline text. It makes it look like a link.