Principle 3

Format Materials for Understanding

Resources to support you

Thought Starters

Explaining Biological Processes Explaining Data Explaining Clinical Trials Explaining Health-Related Finances Explaining Risks & Benefits

We believe that when we format for understanding, patients spend more time reading our communications, retain more of the information we provide, and derive greater value from our materials.

Our layouts should always be clear and designed with purpose, so that patients can more easily navigate our communications. This can help present clear and compelling stories that are relatable to patients.

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UPL Rules

The UPL Rules provide detailed guidance on how each of the Principles can be applied in practice.

Below is a sample of rules pertaining to Format Materials for Understanding:

Rule 41. Use hierarchy and emphasis to focus the viewer’s attention on the page and shape the sequence in which they read it.

WHY?

Readers will usually begin reading a page in the top left corner, moving from left to right, from top to bottom.
Larger elements (visuals, headlines) will command more attention and be the first landing point for the viewer’s eye.
People’s attention will immediately be drawn to images representing the human face, so place human images adjacent to the most important element(s) on the page.
1. Use titles to categorize information in a way that directly addresses patient needs.
2. Use sub-headings and captions to support or elaborate on information conveyed through headlines.
3. Use consistent formatting for each level of hierarchy (i.e., establish styles for treating each level consistently).

Rule 44. Use white space generously and deliberately. White space refers to the following: space around graphics, margins, paddings, and gutters; line-spacing and letter-spacing within text; and space between columns.

Use white space to create focus around important text or images and guide the reader around the page.
Why? A page full of text and images with limited white space is visually and cognitively overwhelming.
Provide ample white space around text to improve readability and scannability.
For more on white space, see this article

Rule 45. The layout of the document should support how patients would use the provided information.

Information that is provided for reference should include elements like tabs to help patients quickly navigate to the right section.
Information that is intended to guide patient actions should be formatted like a checklist.
Space for note-taking should be integrated with the content on which patients might like to take notes, rather than relegated to separate note pages or sections.
If the document is intended for a binder, leave a margin big enough for hole punching along one edge (at least 1”).

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UPL Style Guide

The Style Guide offers detailed guidance on how patient and caregiver materials created with UPL should look and feel while also considering accessibility.

Style Guide topic examples related to Format Materials for Understanding include:

Typography

Typography can greatly impact the readability of a body of text. It becomes even more important when designing for patients, as their physical and emotional burdens can affect their ability to read and comprehend.

In this section you will find guidance on typographical hierarchy, line length, and spacing to help you better format your materials for patient understanding.