Components
List
List is used to present content in a clear and structured way, for example to summarize main points or show the user which steps must be followed in a specific order.
HTML
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const Preview = () => { return ( <List.Unordered> <List.Item>Bøyabreen</List.Item> <List.Item>Briksdalsbreen</List.Item> <List.Item>Nigardsbreen</List.Item> </List.Unordered> ); }; render(<Preview />)
Use List when
- summarising key points
- showing multiple steps in a process
- listing criteria, options, prerequisites, or similar
Avoid List when
- the items become so long that the list is no longer easy to read
- information needs to be structured and compared. Use table instead
Example
Unordered list
HTML
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const UnorderedEn = () => { return ( <> <Heading level={2} data-size='xs' style={{ marginBottom: 'var(--ds-size-2)' }} > The association is required to have an auditor if it has </Heading> <List.Unordered> <List.Item> an average number of employees equivalent to ten full-time positions or more </List.Item> <List.Item> a balance sheet total of 27 million kroner or more </List.Item> <List.Item>operating income of 35 million kroner or more</List.Item> </List.Unordered> </> ); }; render(<UnorderedEn />)
Ordered list
HTML
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const OrderedEn = () => { return ( <> <Heading level={2} data-size='xs' style={{ marginBottom: 'var(--ds-size-2)' }} > How to do it: </Heading> <List.Ordered> <List.Item> Pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning and frying </List.Item> <List.Item>Add salt and pepper to the breasts</List.Item> <List.Item> Fry the breasts on high heat for two minutes on each side </List.Item> </List.Ordered> </> ); }; render(<OrderedEn />)
Guidelines
Lists make content easier to scan and understand. Be mindful of structure and avoid long lists. Instead, break content into several shorter lists to improve readability.
Use ordered (numbered) lists when sequence matters, and unordered lists when it does not.
List or table?
Lists and tables serve different purposes. Using them correctly improves clarity for all users, especially those using screen readers or those with cognitive impairments.
- A list presents related information in a clear way.
- A table allows users to view and compare information organised in rows and columns.
Text
All items in a list should follow the same structure and connect clearly to the introductory sentence.
Items should be as short as possible, preferably no more than two sentences. When using lists for simple enumeration, each item should be limited to one sentence, ideally just a few words.
Writing rules for lists
A common mistake when writing lists is incorrect use of colons, full stops, commas, and capitalisation. There are two main rules for punctuation:
- When each item continues the introduction:
- use lowercase at the start of each item
- do not use a colon after the introduction
- do not use a full stop at the end of each item
Example
HTML
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const Write1En = () => { return ( <> <Heading level={2} data-size='xs' style={{ marginBottom: 'var(--ds-size-2)' }} > The application deadline is </Heading> <List.Unordered> <List.Item> 15 November for the full year or autumn semester only </List.Item> <List.Item>15 March for the spring semester</List.Item> </List.Unordered> </> ); }; render(<Write1En />)
- When each item is a complete sentence:
- use a capital letter at the start of each item
- end each item with a full stop
Example
HTML
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const Write2En = () => { return ( <> <Heading level={2} data-size='xs' style={{ marginBottom: 'var(--ds-size-2)' }} > As a general rule, you must meet these requirements: </Heading> <List.Unordered> <List.Item>You must be between 18 and 67 years old.</List.Item> <List.Item> You must have been a member of the National Insurance Scheme for the last 5 years before you became ill or injured. </List.Item> <List.Item> You must have at least a 50 per cent reduction in your ability to work and earn an income. </List.Item> </List.Unordered> </> ); }; render(<Write2En />)
Read more about these rules at Språkrådet.
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