Why linear reading is important
Linear reading involves consuming content sequentially, from top to bottom, left to right (in languages that follow this direction). It’s essential for users who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or other assistive technologies.
- Screen reader accessibility – Screen readers follow the HTML order to read content. A clear structure helps users navigate without confusion.
- Enhanced usability – A logical, linear layout improves navigation and comprehension for all users.
- WCAG compliance – WCAG guidelines require logical content structure to ensure accessibility.
- Supports cognitive accessibility – Users with cognitive disabilities benefit from content in a clear, logical order, making it easier to process information.
Best practices for structuring content for linear reading
1. Use proper HTML structure
A clear HTML structure is the foundation of accessible, linear content.
- Headings – Use
<h1>for the main title,<h2>for sections, and<h3>for subsections to define content hierarchy. - Lists – Use
<ol>and<ul>tags for grouped items. Lists help screen readers convey structured information. - Sections and paragraphs – Use
<p>tags for paragraphs and<div>or<section>for logical content grouping. - ARIA landmarks – Consider adding ARIA roles like
role="navigation"androle="main"to define page sections for screen readers.
2. Follow a logical content order
Ensure content flows in a logical, top-to-bottom sequence.
- Sequential layout – Arrange content logically from one section to the next. Avoid placing critical information out of order.
- Minimize hidden content – Avoid hiding essential content behind tabs or interactions. Ensure all important content is accessible in the linear flow.
3. Guide users’ attention
Use design elements to guide users naturally from one section to the next.
- Highlight key information – Use headings, bold text, or icons to draw attention to important information without disrupting the content’s flow.
4. Use descriptive link text
Links should be clear and meaningful on their own.
- Descriptive links – Use links like “Read our accessibility guide” instead of “Click here” so that users know the link’s purpose without extra context.
- Avoid redundant links – Ensure links with similar text go to the same destination to prevent confusion.
5. Ensure clear navigation
Make navigation intuitive and linear.
- Breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs show users their location within the site hierarchy.
- Skip links – Include skip links at the top of the page to help users bypass repetitive content and go directly to the main section.
6. Support keyboard accessibility
Ensure all content and interactive elements are keyboard accessible.
- Logical tab order – Make sure the tab order follows the content’s natural flow so users can navigate predictably.
- Focusable elements – All interactive elements should be focusable, with clearly visible focus states.
7. Test for linear readability
Testing reveals issues in the linear reading experience.
- Screen reader testing – Use screen readers like NVDA or VoiceOver to understand how your content is read aloud.
- Keyboard navigation testing – Navigate through the page using only a keyboard to confirm logical and accessible navigation.
- Gather user feedback – When possible, ask users with disabilities to share their navigation experience and identify any challenges.