Because most word processors default to pages designed as perfect rectangles, many readers view them as dull and uninviting. By breaking the expected rectangular design with elements such as hanging indents, bulleted or numbered lists, and text boxes, you can create interest, emphasize information, and make text easier to read. Consult your word processor's Help menu for more information on how to adjust margins and format paragraphs using these design elements.
Ineffective design |
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This page from a manual uses the common rectangular design. The numbered lists appear cluttered because they do not use hanging indents for the second and subsequent lines. The long line lengths and full justification may cause readers to lose their place and skip lines or accidentally reread lines. In addition, the headings are aligned along the same margin as the body text and, thus, do not stand out. Likewise, the space before and after the first-level headings is the same. Finally, the note (under Block 5) is not visually distinct.
http://www.dlis.dla.mil/erls_contra_inst.htm 
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Effective design | |
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This revised design breaks margins to emphasize important information and makes the text easier to read. The text's line length is shorter and has a ragged right margin, which makes the document more readable. The headings hanging in the margins are easier to see. There is more space before a first-level heading than immediately after it. All the numbered lists make use of hanging indents-in other words, the second and subsequent lines of each numbered paragraph are indented, making the number on the first line easier to see. Finally, the note is placed in a shaded box and extends a little into the right margin, giving it further emphasis.
http://www.dlis.dla.mil/erls_contra_inst.htm 
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