b. What was the most challenging aspect of applying the F-Pattern and Plain English writing principles? How did you overcome it? (5 Marks)
Challenges
The most challenging aspect of applying the “F-pattern” was writing my content with the pattern in mind. I had to continuously edit my content and work around what information needed to go where to align with the natural flow of the audiences’ eyes (f-pattern). This was difficult because I had so much information to work with. I must adjust to how people tend to skim content on the web. It quickly became overwhelming because I felt like I was going back and forth deciding what placements would be the most effective to my intended audience.
Moreover, it becomes challenging when there’s other components in Plain English writing that I had to consider. I only have a limited amount of time for my audience to determine whether they find my web content interesting and of value to them. I had to pay very close attention to the most critical placements to align with the reader’s natural flow. I have to meet my audience’s needs, help them understand my content, and help them fulfill their purpose. This became overwhelming, especially when I had to tie all the other components that make up plain English writing.
For example, when I had to order things in chronological order of importance. My previous post was all over the place, so it was difficult for me to section my content in order of what my audience needed to understand the most. Let alone, ensure that it is made with the “F-pattern”.
How I overcame it
I overcame these challenges by placing myself in the shoes of my audience. Asking myself questions such as:
- Would I read this?
- Do I quickly understand it?
- What is throwing me off?
- What do I not like about this?
- Why do I or do I not gravitate towards this?
- What do I want to know?
- What is helping me understand this?
- What do I need to act on this?
- Why does this/does not resonate with me?
By understanding my audience’s perspective, I was able to break down my content and remove unnecessary information. Making my content clear and concise. From there, I could order things from a level of importance. I worked around the content and re-read it multiple times with different perspectives to understand if the F-pattern was flowing efficiently with the other components in mind.
Another way I overcame this was simply by looking at what other people on the web were doing. I looked at unrelated blog posts, for a fresh outlook and simply to see the structure and format of the “F-pattern” in use. I wanted inspiration and context. I asked myself why I aligned with it and why I didn’t.
I searched up “how to make a strawberry daquiri” out of pure curiosity and interest. The information was clearly sectioned off in levels of importance with a clear “F-pattern”. They used bullet points, lists, subheadings, and short and concise text. When searching this up, I expect a step-by-step guide on what ingredients I need, how much of each I need, and how to make it. I would be frustrated and uninterested if this is not what I got back.
They included information of some background on the drink, and gave context and information to those who don’t know much about it or who are curious. It aligned with what I needed, I was able to understand it, and in the future, I can act on it by making the drink! By understanding how I gravitate towards the “f-pattern” myself and how my audience would for my own content, I was able to overcome the difficulties and refine my content in a clear, effective, and effortless way.
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