The quality control of document design

<jats:p>Behavioural research offers a number of different techniques for use during the design of written materials. This paper explores the pros and cons of four of these; in relation to a three-stage quality-control programme. The three stages involve checks on the content, the presentation and usability of documents. The complexities of design problems are such that the research literature will seldom be able to provide instant solutions. Nevertheless, research techniques provide ways of guiding and validating the decisions of writers and designers.</jats:p>