Are English-language pedometer instructions readable?

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Usability Engineering

Background:

• English-language pedometer instructions were evaluated for readability and design.
• Key features assessed included reading grade level, layout, formatting, and emphasis of critical information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the readability and usability of instructions accompanying pedometers.
• To identify areas for improvement in the design of pedometer user manuals.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen pedometers available in the US market were selected.
• Reading grade levels were determined using Flesch-Kinkaid (FK) and SMOG formulas.
• Text size, illustration count, and layout features were quantitatively measured.

Main Results:

• Reading grade levels ranged from 8th to 11th (FK) and 8th to 12th (SMOG).
• Average text point size was 6.9, with limited white space in most manuals.
• Only 26.7% of instructions highlighted the 10,000 steps-per-day goal.

Conclusions:

• Pedometer instructions should be revised to a 6th-grade reading level.
• Enlarging paper size, text, illustrations, and increasing white space are recommended.
• Prominently highlighting the daily step goal and proper pedometer use is advised.