Flesch Reading Ease

Introduction to Flesch Flesch Reading Ease Score

To get us started here’s two introdcutions to what the Flesch Reading Ease is, written in two very different styles.

Introduction A - Which score an easier to understand - 76

The Flesch Reading Ease Score is a way to see how simple or hard a piece of text is to read. Created by Rudolf Flesch, this tool gives a score between 0 and 100. A higher score means the text is easier to read, while a lower score means it’s harder. The score looks at things like how long the sentences are and how difficult the words are. This helps make sure that the text is easy to understand for the people who will be reading it. Whether you’re writing for kids or adults, the Flesch scale helps you check if your writing is clear and easy to follow.​

Introduction B - Which scores a more diffiult to understand - 36

The Flesch Reading Ease Score is a tool designed by Rudolf Flesch to measure how easily a piece of text can be read and understood. This scale ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating simpler, more easily comprehensible text, and lower scores suggesting more complex and challenging content. The score is determined by factors such as sentence length and word difficulty, making it a valuable tool for ensuring that written material is appropriate for its intended audience. Whether writing for children or professionals, the Flesch scale helps gauge whether your language is clear and accessible to readers.​

Here are book examples that align with each Flesch Reading Ease range, mapped to the appropriate educational stages:

90-100 (Very Easy) - Nursery/Reception:

• Book Example: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle

• This book uses simple, repetitive text and vivid illustrations, making it ideal for young children just starting to read.

80-90 (Easy) - Primary School (Key Stage 1-2):

• Book Example: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

• A classic book with simple, rhyming text that’s perfect for early readers in primary school.

70-80 (Fairly Easy) - Primary School (Key Stage 2) / Lower Secondary School (Key Stage 3):

• Book Example: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

• This book is slightly more complex in language and themes but remains accessible to older primary school and early secondary school students.

60-70 (Standard) - Secondary School (Key Stage 3-4) / GCSEs:

• Book Example: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

• With its straightforward language and engaging narrative, this book is well-suited for secondary school students.

50-60 (Fairly Difficult) - Sixth Form / College (A-Levels):

• Book Example: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

• A novel with more advanced themes and vocabulary, making it appropriate for older teenagers and young adults.

30-50 (Difficult) - University / Graduate Level:

• Book Example: 1984 by George Orwell

• This dystopian novel presents challenging ideas and language, suitable for university students and those with advanced reading skills.

0-30 (Very Difficult) - Postgraduate / Professional Level:

• Book Example: Being and Time by Martin Heidegger

• A highly complex philosophical text, suitable for postgraduate students or professionals with a deep interest in philosophy and advanced comprehension skills.

The Role of Flesch Reading Ease in Customer Experience Design

In customer experience design, effective communication is crucial for ensuring that customers can easily engage with and understand your brand. Whether through websites, SMS messages, or emails, the readability of your content plays a significant role in how well your audience can grasp the information being presented. This is where the Flesch Reading Ease scale becomes an invaluable tool.

The Flesch Reading Ease scale is specifically designed to measure how easy or difficult it is for someone to read and understand a piece of text. By using this scale, you can tailor your communications to be as clear and accessible as possible, making sure that your content resonates with a wide audience. The easier it is for customers to read your content, the more likely they are to engage with it, leading to a more positive customer experience.

In customer experience design, the clarity and accessibility of communication are vital. The Flesch Reading Ease scale helps you ensure that your content is easy to understand, which is essential for meeting the diverse needs of your audience. By focusing on Flesch Reading Ease, you can create content that not only informs but also enhances the overall customer experience.

Designing customer communications with Flesch in mind

Websites

Websites serve as the digital front door to your brand, and the readability of your content directly impacts user experience. Clear and readable text ensures that visitors can easily navigate your site, find the information they need, and take action without confusion.

Value-Adding Content:

• Ensure your website content is scannable, using short paragraphs, bullet points, and headings to break up text.

• Utilise visuals and infographics to complement written content, making complex information more digestible.

• Consider the needs of mobile users, who may prefer concise, to-the-point text that’s easy to read on smaller screens.

Takeaway Points:

• Prioritise readability to reduce bounce rates and improve user satisfaction.

• Regularly test your website’s content for readability and adjust based on user feedback.

• Remember that accessible content also improves SEO, as search engines favour clear and user-friendly text.

SMS/Instant Message

Text messaging is a powerful tool for direct, immediate communication with customers. Given the concise nature of SMS, every word counts, making readability even more crucial. The challenge lies in delivering your message clearly and effectively within a limited character count.

Value-Adding Content:

• Use simple, straightforward language to ensure the message is understood at a glance.

• Avoid jargon and complex terms that could confuse or alienate recipients.

• Test your messages for readability on various devices to ensure they are clear and accessible.

Takeaway Points:

• Keep messages concise but complete—ensure that the key information is clear without unnecessary details.

• Consider the timing and context in which your SMS will be received; messages should be respectful of the recipient’s time and attention.

• Use readability as a benchmark to craft messages that prompt quick comprehension and immediate action.

Emails

Emails are a primary channel for customer communication, often used for detailed information, promotions, or personalised messages. Ensuring that your emails are easy to read can significantly influence their effectiveness and the customer’s willingness to engage.

Value-Adding Content:

• Structure emails with clear headings, subheadings, and short paragraphs to enhance readability.

• Personalise content while maintaining simplicity; tailor the message to the recipient’s needs and preferences without overcomplicating the language.

• Incorporate a clear call to action (CTA) that stands out and is easy to understand.

Takeaway Points:

• Test your emails for readability before sending them to a large audience; this includes ensuring they are mobile-friendly.

• Consider the length of your emails—while detailed, they should be concise enough to maintain the reader’s attention.

• Use readability to foster better engagement, leading to higher open rates, click-through rates, and conversions.

By integrating the Flesch readability scale into your SMS, email, and website strategies, you ensure that your communications are not only clear but also inclusive and accessible. This attention to readability supports better customer outcomes, from improved understanding to increased engagement and satisfaction.

Designing with vulnerability in mind

When designing your brand’s tone of voice, it’s crucial to consider readability from the outset. Crafting text that is understandable by the lowest reasonable end of the Flesch scale ensures that your messages are accessible to a broader audience. This is not just a matter of clarity; it’s a fundamental aspect of inclusivity.

Designing with readability in mind helps ensure that all customers, including those with lower reading and comprehension abilities, can access and understand your communications. This is especially important for vulnerable customers who may struggle with more complex language. By making your content more readable, you help these customers achieve the same outcomes as those with more advanced reading skills, fostering equity and inclusion.

Incorporating readability into your brand’s communication strategy from the start ensures that your messages are clear, accessible, and inclusive. It strengthens your brand’s connection with all customers, building trust and enhancing overall customer experience.