Make your content easier to read with chunking
- Robert Turner
- Jan 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 30
Want to make your copy, website or app easier to read, understand, and remember?
Chunking is a simple technique that breaks information down into smaller, more manageable parts, as Robert Turner, Content Analyst for Black Sheep Communications explains.
Why chunking matters
Chunking organises content into bite-sized pieces using short paragraphs, clear headings and lists.
Think of 'chunking' like eating a big burger—you wouldn’t try to shove it all in at once. Instead, you take one bite at a time, making it easier to enjoy and digest.
The same goes for information for your customers. You shouldn't shove it down their throats.
Cutting information up into smaller 'bites' makes it easier for people to digest, process, remember and act on.
Chunking makes content more user-friendly and accessible. It improves readability and helps users find what they need quickly.
This is because we prefer scanning over reading word for word.
How chunking helps your readers
Breaking up content into smaller sections has a big impact. Here’s why it works:
Easier to understand: Smaller chunks of information are simpler to process.
More memorable: Well-structured content sticks in the memory.
Faster to learn: Bite-sized pieces can be absorbed more quickly.
Improved navigation: It’s easier to find key details when content is neatly grouped.
Think of something as simple as credit card or phone numbers.
They’re easier to scan and remember when broken into smaller units (see Figure 1).
Chunking is the way videos are marked in chapters. It’s the different sections in a book store.
Chunks help you find what you need quickly.
Credit card or phone number | With chunking |
4199739212347890 | 4199 - 7392 - 1234 - 7890 |
+61415123789 | 0415 123 789 |
Figure 1. Credit card and phone numbers are typically presented chunked into smaller units. Chunking makes them easier to scan and remember.
Where chunking comes from
Chunking was first introduced in a 1956 paper by cognitive psychologist George Miller.
He found that most people can hold about 7 chunks of information in their working memory. We now call this Miller’s Law.
The size of the chunk doesn’t matter – people can remember around 7 letters, but also 28 letters if 4-letter words are divided into 7 chunks. That’s powerful.
Don’t focus on the numbers.
This is about grouping like information in a clear layout with enough white space. It’s an antidote to choice overload.
See Miller’s original paper: The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two.
Where chunking works best
Chunking isn’t just for website content. It’s used in many areas, such as:
Learning and training: Breaking down big topics into smaller lessons makes learning easier.
Artificial intelligence: Organising large amounts of data into groups helps AI process information efficiently.
Web design and user experience: Well-structured content keeps visitors engaged and helps them find information quickly.
How to chunk your content
Want to make your content easier to follow? Here’s how:
Keep paragraphs short – Focus on one idea at a time.
Use headings and subheadings – Help users skim content easily.
Add bullet points and lists – Make key points stand out.
Leave enough white space – Avoid overwhelming readers.
Break down videos and graphics – Use chapters or sections for better understanding.
Get started with chunking
Follow these simple tips to get started:
Group-related information – Keep similar ideas in one place.
Structure from general to specific – Guide your readers step by step.
Use clear section titles – Make it easy to navigate.
Keep it short and sweet – Avoid too much information in one go.
Stay consistent – Use the same format throughout your content.
Got the hang of chunking? Move closer to content mastery by pairing this technique with the inverted pyramid.
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