The Scientific Case For Making Learning Content Clear and Simple

Scientific American Mind reports the result of two experiments that should convince all content developers to keep the presentation of information clear and legible.

Researchers provided two groups of people with instructions on how to perform a task; specifically making sushi. One set of instructions was typeset using the Arial typeface while the other was typeset using Brush Script, a less legible typeface. After the learners had read the instructions, they were asked how long they felt the task would take, how difficult the task would be, whether making sushi would be boring, etc.  

Those who were given the sushi instructions in Brush Script were much more likely to report that they perceived  making sushi as difficult, boring, and time-consuming. Learners projected the difficulty in reading the content to difficulty doing the task. (RN)

A Recipe for Motivation: Easy to Read, Easy to Do| Scientific American Mind | Wray Herbert | February 2009