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We advocate "Plain English"

Plain Language (also referred to as Plain English) is clear communication designed to meet the needs of the intended audience. Info.Design believes in and follows the principles of Plain Language.

Principles of Plain Language

Definitions of Plain Language vary, but it is often identified by five principles:

• Organize your material to serve the needs of your reader.
• Write sentences in the active voice; use "you" and other pronouns.
• Use common, everyday words in short sentences.
• Use easy-to-read design features such as lists, tables, graphics, and white space.
• Write short sentences and sections.

As user advocates, we believe in the principles of Plain Language. We believe we should all work to provide information in ways that people can understand it and use it. We are diligent in presenting information so it makes sense to most people. As writers, we think about how users use our documents. And although it surprises some, we've discovered that we can improve our documents by adhering to one principle: Ask.

Volunteering to Support the Plain Language Movement

Info.Design’s principal Thom Haller and staff support people have shown their support for the principles of Plain Language by helping the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) to restructure its website so people can find content they want.

During an 18-month period, beginning in Fall 2003, Thom enrolled students and volunteers in user-focused thinking, and enabled the teams to evaluate the site using content and usability heuristics. He then led a team of students and volunteers through a user-focused process for structuring information with the user in mind.

Learn more

• Learn more about the plain language redesign
• Access plain language content at www.plainlanguage.gov