Article Idea:
Keep it Simple: The Plain Language Initiative
suggested by Kate Walser on 2007/06/26
Plain language is no longer just good form. In May 2007, the Oregon Senate approved a bill mandating plain talk in state government. What is “plain language” and what does it mean for us as information architects and designers?
This article will explore plain language, including:
- What it is
- How it got started
- Benefits, including those related to usability & accessibility
- Challenges
- Legal mandates and activities around plain language
- Tips & tricks for writing in plain language
- Resources to learn more
Want to see this idea turned into a story?
3 people said yes. | 1 person said no.
Brendan Hamley
4 Reputation points
Posted 2007/06/28 @ 04:23AM with
Consideration of the impact of words and language on Design solutions is sometimes lacking in IA thinking. This would make a great and useful read.
Co-incidently, someone recently flagged this up to me: http://www.ojr.org/ojr/stories/070312ruel/ I think there’s an interesting synergy between language/words and layout that could be explored further
Kate Walser
30 Reputation points
Posted 2007/06/28 @ 21:21PM with
Brendan, thanks for the feedback and article URL!
laurie kalmanson
14 Reputation points
Posted 2007/08/20 @ 08:08AM with
interesting idea
for me, i pitch it this way: there’s a point where labelling things for functionality crosses with design and editorial; let’s get there together.