Content design

Provide clear, consistent and easy to understand information.

Provide clear, consistent and easy to understand information

Focus on the user

Write from the user’s perspective and address their needs and concerns. Use “you” instead of “the user” or “the customer.”

Use inclusive language

A persona backstory is a fictional narrative that helps designers understand the user’s history, personality, and background. This can include details such as hobbies, interests, and family life.

Be clear and concise (service name)

What are the user’s pain points and challenges when using the product or service? What obstacles do they face?

Comply with accessibility standards

What are the user’s typical behaviours and habits when using the product or service? How do they interact with it?

Provide actionable information

Prototypes used in web development projects, Interactive and can integrate with backend.

Follow branding and style guidelines

Stripped down version of product with core features.

Be consistent, not uniform

What are the user’s goals and motivations for using the product or service? What are they trying to accomplish?

Be accurate and up-to-date

How proficient is the user with technology? What devices and platforms do they use?

What does “plain language” mean?

It means communicating information in a way that is clear, concise, and easy to understand for the target audience. It involves avoiding complex terminology, jargon, or technical language that may be unfamiliar or confusing to users. Instead, it involves using simple and everyday words, short sentences, and clear headings to convey the necessary information to the user.

The goal is to make the service details accessible and understandable to the widest possible audience, including those with low literacy or limited language proficiency.

Users should be able to:

Gain an understanding of the service instantly.

Determine the eligibility criteria for the service’s intended recipients.

Identify the entities responsible for providing the service.

Access frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the service.

Have easy access to contact support if needed.

Learn about the service fees, touchpoints, required documentation, and estimated processing time.

How to write in plain language

Write content for everyone

Copywriting includes language, copy, readability, clarity, and tone of voice. It is essential that the entity is communicating to the user in a way that is relatable and comprehensible.

Be direct

Do not place any hints. Using phrases like ‘you must’ can help users understand when there is a step they have to follow. Information should be clearly presented and understandable by all users, including those as young as 13 years old.

Limit punctuation

Limit the use of punctuations as they slow readers down. Try not to use punctuation unless necessary.

Aim for simplicity

You can help people of all literacy levels understand what they need to know by organising information into manageable chunks and using bullet points to break up long lists.

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