Reduce short-term memory load. Do not overload the page with information
Ideally, submit one piece of information per sentence
Change the page when you change the subject
Use a maximum of 2 sentences per line (i.e., 60-70 characters per line)
Provide ways in which the student may recognize information, rather than be required to recall it
Use indicators such as colour, text layout, shape/texture, and audio to provide contextual clues and easy recognition
Be consistent in the use of the indicator: An indicator must signify the same thing throughout the text
Use visual cues to highlight important points or sections of the content
Remove information the student doesn’t want or need
Avoid sounds, animations, and other moving content that are played without the student specifically interacting with the interface
Don’t suppose any knowledge to be already acquired by the reader. Describe as much as possible
Use examples to clarify complex concepts. Examples help to explain by linking prior experiences with new information
Minimize cross-references to other documents, fields of knowledge or events. If the reference is necessary, it is better to join the other document and ensure it also meets the simplification rules
Avoid presenting the student with noise stimuli. Extensive use of illustrations, audio background, pop-up windows, etc. may distract the reader
Reduce the number of instructions needed for the student to perform the required task
Ensure that the procedure for executing a task (e.g. searching on the Web) is always the same
Present the student with one instruction at a time. Avoid simultaneous tasks
Repeat the instruction each time you refer to it
Provide simple reminders such as “step 2 of 4” to help the student keep track of what he has already done and what he has left to do
Replace the comma with a newline when enumerating or listing many items
Provide the student with clues to estimate the duration of an activity and when it ends
Avoid time based events (e.g. auto refresh, redirects, shut outs). Allow the student to interact with the interface at their pace