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Lists

Why Use Lists?

Lists can communicate some topics more easily than a paragraph and may help reduce cognitive load for your readers.

Lists can help readers:

  • Be more motivated to read
  • Process content more effectively
  • Organize their thinking
  • Find information they need

Bulleted lists may be used when sequence is unimportant while or ordered lists (e.g. 1, 2, 3) may be used when sequence is important. For instance, the examples below provide directions for a recipe but in different formats. Example 1 provides the directions in a paragraph while Example 2 provides the directions in a numbered list. Notice which is easier to read and determine the steps in this recipe.

Example 1: Recipe directions formatted in a paragraph.

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Next, put half a cup of butter and one cup of sugar into a bowl. Then, you should beat the butter, and sugar together for two minutes. Next, mix in two separated egg yolks. After that, slowly pour in one cup of milk.

Example 2: Recipe directions formatted in a numbered list.

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Put ½ cup of butter and two cups of sugar into a bowl
  3. Beat the eggs and sugar together
  4. Mix in two separated egg yolks
  5. Slowly mix in one cup of milk

Best Practices

  • Use the appropriate list style.
    • Ordered (Numbered) – Used to convey a sequential process. An ordered list always uses numbers, letters, or roman numerals for each item.
    • Unordered (Bulleted) – Used to for emphasis, highlights or to focus attention. An unordered list contains a group of items or concepts and uses bullets.
  • Be sure to format lists using the content editor tools within the application you are using (e.g., Microsoft Word, Webcourses@UCF, WordPress)

Creating Lists in Webcourses@UCF

Review the video guide below to learn how to create bulleted and numbered lists in Webcourses@UCF’s Rich Content Editor. The video highlights the importance of using the list formatting tool for accessibility and offers tips on adding visual flair to your lists. The video also covers how to create nested lists or sub-lists.

Creating Lists in Microsoft Word

Review the video guide below to learn about lists and how to create accessible lists within Microsoft Word. Using the list formatting tool will ensure your content is accessible for all users.

Resources

Source:

WebAIM Semantic Structure