You are here > Web Design > Web Usability > 7.6. Inverted-Pyramid Style of Writing

Inverted-Pyramid Style of Writing

Traditionally, when you write, you start with a 'foundation' and gradually build to a conclusion in a pyramid style. You might write an essay or article using the following structure:

1. Problem statement
2. Related work
3. Methodology
4. Results
5. Conclusions

Journalists, on the other-hand, use an inverted pyramid style. They generally start with the main conclusion and get progressively more detailed, like so:

1. Conclusion
2. Supporting information
3. Background and technical details

Since Web users typically scan text, it is important to position main points at the beginning of the article, then go into more detail as needed.

Match the Web Site to the Real World >>>