5 common mistakes when selecting a Readability testing partner
1.
It’s a nuisance
Readability testing is seen as a necessary evil by many regulatory affairs professionals. However it should not be underestimated that all the hard work of developing a product can be undone if a cute old nanny just doesn’t quite get how to take the pills and then does it the wrong way, or, worse: not at all. In the end, it’s the people we do it all for!
2.
Price is everything
Well, you know. Sure, there are huge differences in the prices that are demanded by providers. It is appealing to judge a book by it’s (price-) cover. But do yourself a favor and don’t forget to see what experience the provider has, who does the interviews, how are respondents sourced and where are the interviews held? Don’t be fooled, ask for those aspects. They do have an impact on the quality of your results. And also, a well rested assessor might ask the same questions. And it does not always mean that an expensive bidder is the best.
3.
‘Let’s just bridge’.
Bridging seems to be the the fast and easy lane to an approved leaflet. However, it can be vital to check a leaflet in it’s actual form and shape. Sometimes, bits of text have moved to the next column and that can make a big difference to the reader, impacting the overal readability.
4.
‘The text is final’
Most readability testing providers have huge experience with leaflets. They have spoken to hundreds, sometimes thousands of people about leaflets. When an experienced tester sees a leaflet for the first time, he or she can points their fingers on the tricky spots in a heartbeat. Amending the leaflet according to some of those remarks on beforehand can save time and resources in a later stage.
5.
A dreaded project
Performing a readability test doesn’t have to be a lengthy and energy draining exercise. Most experts can handle a complete project by themselves without really ever needing to bother you, and it can mostly be done within a month or even less time.
