Consistent Design Across Pages and Materials

Consistency in design helps everyone navigate content more efficiently, but it is especially important for learners who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or cognitive supports. When headings, layouts, labels, and navigation elements appear in predictable places and follow the same patterns, the brain spends less effort figuring out how to move through the page and more effort engaging with the content itself. Consistent structure reduces cognitive load, supports comprehension, and creates a smoother, more inclusive learning experience. For templates and instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

Relevant WCAG 2.2 Guidelines:
3.2.3 Consistent Navigation, 3.2.4 Consistent Identification, 1.3.1 Info and Relationships

Main Considerations

Use the same heading structure across pages so the hierarchy is predictable.
Keep menus, buttons, and navigation elements in the same location across materials.
Use consistent names, labels, and icons for similar actions so users learn once and apply everywhere.
Avoid rearranging visual elements for decorative reasons. Predictability is part of accessibility.
Ensure that repeated blocks of content appear in the same order every time.
Keep formatting consistent across lessons, modules, documents, and media types.

Structural Consistency

Structural consistency means organizing content in a reliable pattern. This includes headings, subheadings, paragraph styles, indentation, lists, and the overall flow of a page. When structural elements follow a stable pattern, learners know where to find information and how to follow the logic of the material.

For example, if every weekly overview begins with an introduction, followed by objectives, tasks, and deadlines, students can quickly scan for what they need. Screen reader users benefit from predictable heading levels, which allow them to jump between sections using keyboard shortcuts. Structural consistency creates a sense of stability that supports learning and reduces unnecessary mental effort.

Navigation and Labeling Consistency

Navigation consistency ensures that menus, links, icons, and labels behave in predictable ways. If a link titled “Resources” goes to a glossary in one place but to handouts in another, users may become confused. If a button looks interactive on one page but decorative on another, users cannot rely on visual cues.

Consistent labels and navigation elements allow students to build a mental model of how your course or document works. When the design is predictable, learners can move through the material with confidence, and assistive technologies can interpret patterns more effectively.

Applying Consistent Design in Different Platforms

On a Webpage (HTML/CMS): Use a consistent template for all pages. Apply the same heading levels for each section, keep navigation menus in the same location, and use the same labels for similar actions. If your CMS offers style presets or templates, use them so colors, text styles, and spacing remain uniform.

In Google Docs: Use the Styles menu for headings instead of manually enlarging text. Apply the same hierarchy across documents so users know where each level of information belongs. Keep spacing, list styles, and page layouts consistent. If you create multiple class documents, use a shared template.

In Microsoft Word: Use built-in styles and maintain the same headings, spacing, and font choices throughout. Use the Navigation Pane to verify heading structure and ensure consistent hierarchy. Apply the same formatting patterns across handouts, syllabi, worksheets, and exported PDFs.

In PDFs: Before exporting, establish consistency in the source file. Once exported, open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat and verify that tagging reflects the same structure across pages. Check that repeated page elements such as headers, footers, or navigation blocks appear in the same location and order throughout the document.

In Canvas: follow a consistent weekly or module pattern and keep pages structured the same throughout your course. Use the same heading levels for section titles, place instructions in a consistent location on each page, and use uniform labels for assignments, discussions, and files. At WOU, faculty should use our Canvas templates or established design standards whenever possible.

WOU resources:

WOU Canvas Course Template Can be Found here: WOU Canvas Course Template
Go here to access our: Canvas Dev Shell Request Form with WOU Standard Modules Preloaded