In design, it is crucial that when you present work to a client, that there are no errors. By having errors, you can affect your image causing you to look unprofessional and unreliable. Errors can especially happen during tight schedules where you do not have the time to have someone help you overlook your work and are focused so hard on completing the project that you miss the small details. Here are some tips for proof reading web design work. These tips can also be applied to your normal documents.Â
1. Read before proofing
Read all the copy at least once to get an overall feel for the content and layout before you dig in to find errors.
2. Proofread text
When proof reading, check for punctuations and spelling errors. Take notice of misspelt words that may not be picked up by the program dictionary. I have read documents where an individual has used “Crow street” instead of “Crown street” You need to make sure you pick these up as they can mislead and or confuse readers. A great way to go about this is to read the text aloud. Or if you have the time, take 5-10 minutes away from the document before sending it away. Often when working on something for a long period away, physiologically you become use to what you see on the document.
3. Read backwards
Reading headlines, subheadings, quotes, call outs and content backwards word by word will focus on the words instead of the meaning of the document. By doing so will help you pick out spelling or grammatical errors.
4. Double check names
Check if the spelling of names and companies are correct as these will not be picked up by spell-check programs. Always check letter by letter that these are spelt correctly.
5. Double check numbers
Check all numbers carefully. You can even call listed telephone numbers to verify. If addition, substruction of form data is present in the document, make sure you check these as well.
6. Are inconsistencies present?
Check for inconsistencies such as small caps for abbreviations as well as bolded text, italics and heading font sizes. At times, I have been so involved into a website design that I found that the line spacing in the web design differ from template to template.
7. Look at the typography
Look at the document as a whole. Does the page flow properly? Are the headings too dominating/not dominating enough? Is there a clear hierarchy?
