According to Jakob Nielsen 30% of web users have low literacy and the number will probably grow to 40% in the next five years.
Unlike higher-literacy users, lower-literacy users don't scan text. They can't understand a text by glancing at it and must carefully read word for word. Scrolling breaks their visual concentration and they start skipping text as soon as it becomes too dense.
Some recommendations:
- Use text aimed at a 6th grade reading level on important landing pages
- On other pages use an 8th grade reading level
- Place main points at the top of the pages
- Make search tolerant of misspellings
- Simplify navigation
- Streamline the page design
- Avoid text that moves or changes
A study showed that revising the text of a web site for lower-literacy users made it perform significant better for both lower- and higher-literacy users.
Links:
- The article Lower-Literacy Users

Henrik Olsen
- March 17, 2005
See also: Accessibility (11) Text (19)