Use Mixed Case with Prose Content
Classification:
[x] Standard
Categories:
[x] Text & Style
[x] Writing Web Content
Standard:
HHS must use mixed upper- and lower-case letters when displaying continuous prose text. This standard will apply to headlines, headers, and links, as well as the body of content.
If a phrase is intended to attract the user’s attention, display the phrase in bold or italics. Only use these methods to emphasize one or two words, or a short phrase, because they slow reading performance when used for extended prose. They also cease being eye-catching.
Rationale:
TEXT PRESENTED IN ALL CAPS IS DIFFICULT TO READ. Reading text is easier when capitalization is used conventionally to start sentences and to indicate proper nouns and acronyms.
Exemptions: N/A
Sources:
Breland and Breland, 1944; Engel and Granda, 1975; Mills and Weldon, 1987; Moskel, Erno and Shneiderman, 1984; Poulton and Brown, 1968; Smith and Mosier, 1986; Spyridakis, 2000; Tinker and Paterson, 1928; Tinker, 1955; Tinker, 1963; Vartabedian, 1971; Wright, 1977.
Requirements (content & style): N/A
Related Standards:
Use Dark Text on Plain, High-Contrast Backgrounds
Font Size and Typeface
Related Guidelines:
Use Mixed Case with Prose (V2, 15:6, p. 164)
Checklist:
Use mixed case with prose content.