One of the best things to come from the technology age is the blending or morphing of writing and designing. It is now desirable, actually preferable, for content creators and website designers to work together, even simultaneously. Yes, the architect and the painter. The surgeon and the physiotherapist. The CEO and the administrator. It is the synergy of this teamwork that creates satisfied clients, our ultimate goal. So how does that relate to plain language?

Three guidelines for accessibility
Plain language is the process of creating clear content readers can understand, access and use. It’s about audience, accessibility, inclusiveness. It shares these common goals with:
Content Design, the practice of creating user-focused content for websites, as explained by Content Design Centre’s Sarah Richards,
and
 Visual Design, improving user experience on websites, as defined by interaction-design.org.
Together they are the communications reality of the world of Universal Design.

The Rickhansen.com blog, Universal Design 101, outlines the seven basic principles, from an architect’s or planner’s perspective. Each one can be applied to designing clear websites created with plain language content and developed together.

I particularly like: 
“Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use.  Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.”

This is also one of the key foundations of plain language, clear web content and visual design practices.

Where do I start?
All these new design practices support our goals of effectively sharing online content. Plain language and web development are both team endeavours. When setting up your web project team aim for these three milestones:

• Understanding
• Accessibility
• Usability

Build a team that includes your:

• plain language content creator
• clear web platform developer
• user-oriented graphic designer 
• and users.

This holistic approach will ensure the end project meets the three key goals before it’s launched. Then you can celebrate with your happy clients.
 
Don’t just talk about ‘universal design’, live it in every project. You and your clients will experience the rewards.

Find out more:
 
Content Design podcast by Sarah Richards, Content Design Centre, London
Visual Design ideas blog from interaction-design.org
PlainLanguageAcademy.com Creating Clear E-content online, interactive course.
 

The International Plain Language Federation, with representation from PLAIN, Clarity and the Centre for Plain Language, recently celebrated a go-ahead from the International Standards' Organization (ISO) to apply for an international plain language standard. Their focus is on setting a definition of, establishing international standards for, and training and certifying practitioners of plain language. So, why is this such exciting news? Here are three reasons.

Plain language is now a global profession
When plain language first became mainstream, in English-speaking nations and countries such as Sweden, it was often called plain English. That was in the 90s. Today, plain language is practiced in many countries, in many languages. So, how do you manage a movement that covers so many countries, organizations, audiences and topics? You set a standard.

New media, methods and messages
​The old methods of a readability test, a grade level and a quick edit have evolved into new practices. Thanks to leaders in the field carrying out research, tracking progress and sharing findings, the plain language process has matured. It now integrates design and usability. Technology has had a major influence. The process, much like marketing, includes a clear plan, audience assessment, clear writing and editing to facilitate understanding, navigation and action; design for accessibility; and reader or user testing. Users drive successful projects. They are involved throughout. And, standards will help ensure we are achieving plain language in a systematic way that meets their needs.

Skill goals for the future
​Skill development is challenging organizations as the effects of technology, the environment and economics keep changing. Conferences, courses and collaborations have helped make plain language more mainstream. However, as a trainer and consultant, I am often asked by clients and students for a recognized plain language 'stamp'. The proposed standard is looking at training as well as application. Soon we will be starting with and sharing a recognized definition and guidelines to ensure we are providing consistent quality. That's what standards do.

The Plain Language Standards working group has representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, the US, Mexico, Argentina, Canada and Portugal. All members are passionate about plain language and the standard. How lucky are we? Very. Visit the International Plain Language Federation website to find out more.