More Americans are going online than ever before. According to a 2006 survey, 80 percent of Internet users have looked for health information on the Web.¹ As a result, both public and private institutions are using the Internet to streamline the delivery of health information and connect people and services in exciting new ways.

Yet the transition to online health information and services poses a unique set of challenges for Web users with limited literacy skills or limited experience on the Internet. For many of these users, the Web is stressful and overwhelming—even inaccessible. Much of this stress is the result of complex health content and poorly designed Web sites.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) has written a research-based how-to guide for creating health Web sites and Web content for the millions of Americans with limited literacy skills and limited experience using the Web. The strategies in this guide complement accepted principles of good Web design and thus have the potential to improve the online experience for all users, regardless of literacy skills.

This guide is written for Web designers, Web content specialists, and other public health communication professionals. We offer an overview of how to:

• Deliver online health information that is actionable and engaging.
• Create a health Web site that's easy to use, particularly for people with limited literacy skills and limited experience using the Web.
• Evaluate and improve your health Web site with user-centered design.