User Experience
Scannability
Plain English
How easy something is to skim.
Definition
Scannability is how easily users can quickly read and understand content without reading every word.
In practice
Improved through headings, spacing, lists, and glossaryVisual HierarchyVisual hierarchy is the arrangement of elements in a way that guides users’ attention to the most important information first. It uses size, contrast, spacing, and layout to prioritise content.Open glossary term.
The reality
Most users scan content, but many designs are still written for full reading.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is scannability?
It is how easy content is to quickly read.
Why is scannability important?
Most users scan rather than read fully.
How do you improve it?
With structure, headings, and spacing.
What is a common mistake?
Large blocks of text.
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