Break Up Long Pages with Section Headings and Visual Patterns
Long-form content, including annual reports and thematic updates, often becomes difficult to read when presented as one continuous block of text. HarvardSites gives you layout tools that allow you to organize content into meaningful sections without rewriting it. This guide shows how to use headings and components to improve structure, clarity, and flow.
Why it matters
- Readability: Users scan before they read. Clear sections help them find what matters quickly.
- Structure: Headings and layout components create hierarchy and reduce cognitive load.
- Engagement: Visually grouped content keeps readers moving through the page.
How to do it
Introduce clear section headings.
Use Section Heading components to group related content.
Avoid relying only on bold text or spacing to create separation.
Group related content visually.
Use Columns or Vertical Cards to organize stories or subtopics.
Use consistent layout patterns within each section.
Add visual breaks intentionally.
Insert a Horizontal Rule or introduce a 50/50 Card between major sections.
Use visual variety to signal transitions between themes.
Accessibility tip
- Follow a logical heading hierarchy. Do not skip levels.
- Keep section headings concise and descriptive.
- Ensure visual groupings still make sense when read linearly.