Readability

=Readability= toc Readability is a measurement used to asses which interfaces are able to communicate effectively[[|2]]. Systems that are usable have “interfaces which can be easily and accurately read” [|[2]]. The degree to which difficult vocabulary and the complexity of writing are effected by the reading audience, ranging from information for children to trained professionals. When the language and sentences are clear and simple more people can correctly understand the message presented [[|2]].

In computer programming having the flow, purpose, content and source code written in a way, which is comprehensive to both human users and machines, achieves readability [[|1]].

In a visual sense readability is concerned with having proper line spacing, typographic point sizes, column width, and colour contrast which assists in legibility of the text [[|3]].

Readability test and mathematical formulas have been creating in the hopes of assessing the writers create text which can be easily read and in order to save writers time in creating legible information [[|1]]. These mathematical formulas are however unable to measure whether the information read by users was comprehensive or interesting [[|1]].

Gunning-Fog Index
This test roughly measures the years of schooling that is necessary for someone to understand the content.

To do this test you must:

"Calculate the average number of words you use per sentence. Calculate the percentage of difficult words in the sample (words with three or more syllables). Add the totals together, and multiply the sum by 0.4. Algorithm: (average_words_sentence + number_words_three_syllables_plus) * 0.4" [[|4]]

If you get a lower number, then the content is more understandable. If the number is over seventeen, it is considered post-graduate level.

Flesch Reading Ease
This test determines how easy it is to understand the content. If the number is higher, it is easier to understand. A score of 60 or 70 is usually the goal of most authors.

To determine this, you must:

"Calculate the average number of words you use per sentence. Calculate the average number of syllables per word. Multiply the average number of syllables per word multiplied by 84.6 and subtract it from the average number of words multiplied by 1.015. Subtract the result from 206.835. Algorithm: 206.835 - (1.015 * average_words_sentence) - (84.6 * average_syllables_word)"[[|4]]

Flesch-Kincaid grade level
This test determines the rough grade level that is needed to understand the writing. The number that you get is the grade that is needed.[[|5]] Anything above 12 is counted as 12. To do this you must:

"Calculate the average number of words you use per sentence. Calculate the average number of syllables per word. Multiply the average number of words by 0.39 and add it to the average number of syllables per word multiplied by 11.8. Subtract 15.50 from the result. Algorithm: (0.39 * average_words_sentence) + (11.8 * average_syllables_word) - 15.9" [[|4]]

Related terms
Learnability Usability

References:
[1] "What is readability?" __www. gopdg.com__ http://www.gopdg.com/plainlanguage/readability.html [2] "Readability" __Usability Body of Knowledge__ http://www.usabilitybok.org/glossary#learnability [3] "Readability" __Wikipedia__ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Readability [4] "Juicy Studio: Readability Tests" __Juicy Studios__ http://juicystudio.com/services/readability.php#readresults [5] "Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test" __Wikipedia__ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flesch-Kincaid_Readability_Test#Flesch.E2.80.93Kincaid_Grade_Level