What are content formats?
A content format is a fixed way of presenting content.
A checklist is one type of content format. It has:
- a fixed language style
- distinct fields
- a particular type of layout
- fixed web controls
Fixed Language Style
For checklists, you really want to use the active voice and begin sentences with action words. Some examples:
- Sign the agreement
- Submit the form
- Wait for funds
Distinct Fields
Typical fields you may select for checklists are:
- List name
- Checkbox
- Action Items
- Date/Time
Particular Layout
Layout crosses over to the discipline of Interface Design. You will need to work closely with the designer to fix the layout for this content type called “checklist”. For instance, you may want to specify that:
- The list name appears above a group of action items
- There are 3 columns under each list name
- Checkboxes are in the 1st column
- Action items are in the 2nd column
- Date/Time is in the 3rd colum
Fixed Web Controls
Strictly speaking, web controls are usually defined by the Interface Designer. The specifications for these controls do not need to be in your content format. But it is very important to refer to them so that the developer can see how the two are interlinked.
Typically, web controls for checklists are:
- HTML checkboxes
- “Add” button at top of the page to add new lists
- “Edit” and “Delete” buttons next to list name
- “Add” button after the list name to add new action items
- “Edit” and “Delete” buttons next to action items
- Sort buttons for all the 3 columns
- Controls to re-order action items
- Controls to re-order lists