Want people to understand your apps, sites, information? Write and design it in plain language so they can find, understand and use it. (Talk at Code for America, 22 Aug 2014)
In plain language and in plain sight around the globeDeborah S. Bosley
This presentation, given at the STC France Content Strategy Forum in 2010, describes current plain language initiatives of government and business in the U.S., the EU, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Creating effective web content in plain languageKath Straub
Writing for the web
Instructors: Dr. Annetta L. Cheek, Center for Plain Language Board Chair and Dr. Kath Straub, Director, Usability.org and Center for Plain Langauge Board Member
Workshop description
People use the web to get information about your organization more than any other source today. Do you know how well your content works?
In this workshop you will learn how to create useful and usable web content.Through lively presentation using real examples we’ll review concepts, best practices, and testing methods used by experienced plain language writers and content strategists. We address how to
~ Identify and understand your audience
~ Plan and organize content
~ Write in Plain Language
Measure whether people understand what you mean and can use what you say
By the end of the workshop you will feel confident that you can create content that people can find, understand, and use effectively.
Jon Rubin & Katherine Spivey - User-Useful Government Websites: Intersection ...Plain Talk 2015
Presented by Jonathan Rubin, MA, & Katherine Spivey, MA, on March 13, 2015 at the fifth Center for Health Literacy Conference: Plain Talk in Complex Times.
Wells Fargo Securities LLC is a subsidiary of WFC HOLDINGS CORPORATION. Consumer mortgage transactions all passed thru Wells Fargo Securities Subsidiaries via TRG (Title Resource Group) which Wells Fargo & Company (as Parent) Federal Reserve controls title & settlement agents & brokers and connected to largest real estate franchises of the sub-servicing market left with debt as commercial clients of WFC subsidiaries as affialites and team members. WFC controls the entire mortgage industry inside USA unduly influenced by (1) foreign organization owner managed by CEO Joseph York subsidiary Thirty-Eight Hundred Fund via extracting currency one mortgage at a time thru Cayman Islands in secret.
In plain language and in plain sight around the globeDeborah S. Bosley
This presentation, given at the STC France Content Strategy Forum in 2010, describes current plain language initiatives of government and business in the U.S., the EU, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Creating effective web content in plain languageKath Straub
Writing for the web
Instructors: Dr. Annetta L. Cheek, Center for Plain Language Board Chair and Dr. Kath Straub, Director, Usability.org and Center for Plain Langauge Board Member
Workshop description
People use the web to get information about your organization more than any other source today. Do you know how well your content works?
In this workshop you will learn how to create useful and usable web content.Through lively presentation using real examples we’ll review concepts, best practices, and testing methods used by experienced plain language writers and content strategists. We address how to
~ Identify and understand your audience
~ Plan and organize content
~ Write in Plain Language
Measure whether people understand what you mean and can use what you say
By the end of the workshop you will feel confident that you can create content that people can find, understand, and use effectively.
Jon Rubin & Katherine Spivey - User-Useful Government Websites: Intersection ...Plain Talk 2015
Presented by Jonathan Rubin, MA, & Katherine Spivey, MA, on March 13, 2015 at the fifth Center for Health Literacy Conference: Plain Talk in Complex Times.
Wells Fargo Securities LLC is a subsidiary of WFC HOLDINGS CORPORATION. Consumer mortgage transactions all passed thru Wells Fargo Securities Subsidiaries via TRG (Title Resource Group) which Wells Fargo & Company (as Parent) Federal Reserve controls title & settlement agents & brokers and connected to largest real estate franchises of the sub-servicing market left with debt as commercial clients of WFC subsidiaries as affialites and team members. WFC controls the entire mortgage industry inside USA unduly influenced by (1) foreign organization owner managed by CEO Joseph York subsidiary Thirty-Eight Hundred Fund via extracting currency one mortgage at a time thru Cayman Islands in secret.
We'd like elections to be easy for everyone but there are lots of details and decisions that voters must understand. Writing in simple, clear language can help voters be better informed and make the journey less complex.
Writing and designing election materials so voters can find, understand and use them.
This was a workshop presented to the Utah Association of Counties 2015 Management Conference, April 29, 2015
You went to a lot of trouble to put that content online. Plain language will help your audience find it, understand it and use it. Writing clearly makes information more accessible – and usable – for people who don’t read well, are reading in a second language, or are listening to the text. That means better informed users, happier customers, and fewer angry support calls.
Updated for AccessU 2017
Long descriptions of images are in the speaker notes
Usability, Accessibility & Ballot Design: What lawmakers need to knowCenter for Civic Design
Presentation at the NCSL Policy and Elections Technology conference - June 3-5, Santa Fe
This presentation looks at some of the unintended consequences of election code for ballot design, and how we can make ballots, forms, and other election materials more usable for all voters
A presentation on our work implementing the best practices for California voter guides at the Future of California Elections (FOCE) 2016 conference, February 26, 2016. Presenters: Whitney Quesenbery, Nancy Frishberg, Drew Davies.
For more information about this project and links to electronic versions of the pages and other resources in this presentation: http://civicdesign.org/projects/how-voters-get-information/
Access is a matter of good design. A review of some best practices in civic design and plain language for complex issues and apply them to ballot layout, the electoral process, and voter
communications to demonstrate how good design and use of plain language are crucial to ensuring voter access.
Presentation at the National Disability Rights Conference, 2016
With Kathryn Summers
Develop Your Tech Skills to Improve Elections in Your JurisdictionWhitney May
CTCL's 90-minute presentation at the 2015 National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials, and Clerks (NACRC) annual conference in Houston, Texas.
The Center for Technology and Civic Life leads a session on free and low-cost tools at the Midwest Election Officials Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.
This webinar will demonstrate how to use HealthyCity.org to enhance your grant proposals and reports with visually impactful and relevant data and maps. Learn how to access data highlighting the needs and opportunities within your communities and how to make the case that your program will make a difference.
In the webinar that these slides go with we explore different approaches to integrating user testing into the development of legal content for diverse audiences. Examples include user testing in the following contexts: the development of a website and mobile app in the immigration sphere, the rollout of a pro bono mobilization website, content development for a statewide website, and enhancements to user experience when navigating online forms for courts.
Designing for difference: Are you failing at the most important design challengeWhitney Quesenbery
There is no such thing as a “typical user.” People may have similar goals or jobs to get done, but they bring differences in preferences, knowledge, language, interaction style, and perspectives. Broadening our vision to design for differences is a conscious act of innovation. It starts with embracing the tools of accessibility, plain language, and language access for modern, responsive design. And broadening our research and testing to include the full diversity of our audiences. If you aren’t designing for difference, ask yourself who are you leaving out.
At the Center for Civic Design, we’ve learned that designing democracy requires changing our practice and how we approach our work. As one project partner put it, “If all we do is make it a little easier for people who already vote, we have failed.” From voter guides to ballots, the goal of our work is to expand civic engagement and participation - including everyone, with all their differences
This presentation was created for World IA Day, 2019
Presentation at edUI
Understanding our users starts from user research. But the complexities of the user patterns, behaviors, perceptions, and motivations can be hard to communicate in ways that help the team really understand the mindset of their audience.
Stories let us shape research data into compelling narratives that build empathy and engage teams in the user journey and see both research insights and problems user experience through the eyes of your users.
More Related Content
Similar to Plain language (accessibility for content)
We'd like elections to be easy for everyone but there are lots of details and decisions that voters must understand. Writing in simple, clear language can help voters be better informed and make the journey less complex.
Writing and designing election materials so voters can find, understand and use them.
This was a workshop presented to the Utah Association of Counties 2015 Management Conference, April 29, 2015
You went to a lot of trouble to put that content online. Plain language will help your audience find it, understand it and use it. Writing clearly makes information more accessible – and usable – for people who don’t read well, are reading in a second language, or are listening to the text. That means better informed users, happier customers, and fewer angry support calls.
Updated for AccessU 2017
Long descriptions of images are in the speaker notes
Usability, Accessibility & Ballot Design: What lawmakers need to knowCenter for Civic Design
Presentation at the NCSL Policy and Elections Technology conference - June 3-5, Santa Fe
This presentation looks at some of the unintended consequences of election code for ballot design, and how we can make ballots, forms, and other election materials more usable for all voters
A presentation on our work implementing the best practices for California voter guides at the Future of California Elections (FOCE) 2016 conference, February 26, 2016. Presenters: Whitney Quesenbery, Nancy Frishberg, Drew Davies.
For more information about this project and links to electronic versions of the pages and other resources in this presentation: http://civicdesign.org/projects/how-voters-get-information/
Access is a matter of good design. A review of some best practices in civic design and plain language for complex issues and apply them to ballot layout, the electoral process, and voter
communications to demonstrate how good design and use of plain language are crucial to ensuring voter access.
Presentation at the National Disability Rights Conference, 2016
With Kathryn Summers
Develop Your Tech Skills to Improve Elections in Your JurisdictionWhitney May
CTCL's 90-minute presentation at the 2015 National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials, and Clerks (NACRC) annual conference in Houston, Texas.
The Center for Technology and Civic Life leads a session on free and low-cost tools at the Midwest Election Officials Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.
This webinar will demonstrate how to use HealthyCity.org to enhance your grant proposals and reports with visually impactful and relevant data and maps. Learn how to access data highlighting the needs and opportunities within your communities and how to make the case that your program will make a difference.
In the webinar that these slides go with we explore different approaches to integrating user testing into the development of legal content for diverse audiences. Examples include user testing in the following contexts: the development of a website and mobile app in the immigration sphere, the rollout of a pro bono mobilization website, content development for a statewide website, and enhancements to user experience when navigating online forms for courts.
Designing for difference: Are you failing at the most important design challengeWhitney Quesenbery
There is no such thing as a “typical user.” People may have similar goals or jobs to get done, but they bring differences in preferences, knowledge, language, interaction style, and perspectives. Broadening our vision to design for differences is a conscious act of innovation. It starts with embracing the tools of accessibility, plain language, and language access for modern, responsive design. And broadening our research and testing to include the full diversity of our audiences. If you aren’t designing for difference, ask yourself who are you leaving out.
At the Center for Civic Design, we’ve learned that designing democracy requires changing our practice and how we approach our work. As one project partner put it, “If all we do is make it a little easier for people who already vote, we have failed.” From voter guides to ballots, the goal of our work is to expand civic engagement and participation - including everyone, with all their differences
This presentation was created for World IA Day, 2019
Presentation at edUI
Understanding our users starts from user research. But the complexities of the user patterns, behaviors, perceptions, and motivations can be hard to communicate in ways that help the team really understand the mindset of their audience.
Stories let us shape research data into compelling narratives that build empathy and engage teams in the user journey and see both research insights and problems user experience through the eyes of your users.
Presentation at UX Camp Copenhagen, May 2018
We all love our user research data… but why is it such a struggle to use the insights we uncover to create direction for our project? Storytelling is the missing link, getting past charts and graphs to dig into data. Whitney will show how stories put research insights into context, communicate the entire user journey, show problems through the eyes of your users, and help you ask better questions to gain deeper insights.
Presentation at the IA Summit 2017
Why can’t we make it easier to be accessible?
Why can’t we aim for great user experiences that are also accessible? Creating accessible technology has to go beyond minimal compliance with standards that meets the law but may not be usable.
We need a bigger goal: creating delight for everyone. We’ll start by exploring what makes a delightful experience and how a good balance small pleasures and anticipated needs supports accessible UX in both big and small ways. Like any UX, this concern for users has to be part of every design decision.
But we also need to think about what it takes to make this happen. It means incorporating a wider range of people into user research and usability testing, and making accessibility a core requirement, not an afterthought. But most of all, it takes tools that are designed to support accessibility. We’ll look at some of the progress… and some of the failures that hold us back.
This presentation is also available as a seminar in the All You Can Learn Library at aycl.uie.com
A library for everyone - Designing for Digital, Austin 2017
All of the tools and principles of an excellent user experience also support accessibility, just as web design that is responsive to diversity of devices is also responsive to a diversity of human needs.
One of the simplest ways to make information more accessible is to add alternative text (alt text for short). It’s brief descriptions of images for users who can’t see them. But what to write? This is a deep dive into writing alt text that is usable and useful. You’ll learn how the right words can make images speak clearly.
Updated for AccessU and AccessU Summit 2017
What does it take to get from barrier-free to delightful experiences?
Meeting basic accessibility requirements is a critical first step. But let’s dream bigger. Let’s aim for accessible UX – great user experience for everyone. Creating innovations that include a more diverse range of interaction styles, and designs that are both inclusive and delightful starts by bringing together the whole team — from content to code. It means thinking about people, not just technology. It means finding allies and partners, new ways of working, making our tools really usable, and helping everyone manage change.
Updated May 2017
Versions presented at PhillyCHI, AccessU, IA Summit, Accessing Higher Ground
Accessible UX: Beyond the checklist to great experiencesWhitney Quesenbery
Checklists, standards, and even patterns can only make sure that basic rules are followed. Even products that meet standards can be difficult or even impossible to use.
But the questions we want to focus on are:
- How easy, useful, efficient, and delightful is this?
- Is this something people want to use?
- Is it a great experience?
Presentation at IAAP 2015, October 22, 2015
Is it usable for people with disabilities?
We know a lot about how to meet the checkpoints for accessibility, but how well do you understand what makes a good experience for people with disabilities? Only getting out and seeing how people use your product will help you understand what makes it a delight to use --- or a pain. User research and usability testing should be part of your accessible UX toolkit.
Instead of trying to reduce the chaos of complexity, we can embrace it.
Instead of thinking about designing for a narrow middle of the curve, we embrace the full spectrum....from the beginning.
We can make accessibility part of innovation, not just designing products for people with disabilities but in constructing our world. We can think about how new technology can -- and does -- change society. And how we can find inspiration in extreme needs that can change the our experience.
Usability testing: rapid results when you need them. Have a question about whether a new feature or design idea works for users? It’s easy to find out early, so your design process is as responsive as your code. We'll look at ways to run quick usability test, how to find users in the wild, and when to add it to your project plan. Yes, it can be fast, good, and cheap.
Presentation at the dotgov design conference - March 27, 2015
Center for Civic Design workshop on September 26, 2014 to discuss what we learned in our project and share insights, experiences, and example materials with the election officials who made this work possible by hosting our researchers
Alt means alternative text. A look at how to write it, thinking about audience, content, context.
These slides are from the Accessibility Summit, 2014. Register for access to recorded sessions:
http://environmentsforhumans.com/2014/accessibility-summit
Every study starts with a question. This session at CSUN 2014 started by examining the questions that usability testing can answer. Short case studies illustrate how the right technique will help us know not only what is happening but also why it’s happening. It's an overview of usability testing as a research method, and what you can (and can’t) learn from working with real people as they try to use a web site or other product.
Accessibility as Innovation: Creating accessible user experiencesWhitney Quesenbery
Designing a web for everyone is a conscious act of innovation. Instead of focusing on barriers, we can put people first for delightful user experiences.
Presentation on how usability and accessibility problems are related. Including people with disabilities in usability testing can reveal deeper insights into the kinds of problems users might encounter
Persona Stories: Weaving together quant & qual for a richer pictureWhitney Quesenbery
Stories have power to add empathy and connection to our work. They can help us learn about people, culture, and context—why, when, and how our products might be used—and share this with a design team. Stories permeate UX techniques from user stories to storyboards. They come to full power when used with personas: the persona provides a fully envisioned lead character for the story, a perspective through which interactions can be explored, and a voice for the emotional reactions to design ideas.
Creating stories for personas is a craft. They are not fiction, but are grounded in the data and user research that informs the persona. They are not fact, but are imagined events, shaped to explore possibilities. They are realistic, but not perhaps real, because they represent not just one individual or event, but something that might happen, and that provides insights into a user experience.
These slides were used in a presentation at CHIFOO on February 5, 2014
CHIFOO members have access to the video of this presentation, with sign interpretation
http://www.chifoo.org/index.php/chifoo/events_detail/persona_stories_weaving_together_qual_and_quant_for_a_richer_picture/
Transforming Brand Perception and Boosting Profitabilityaaryangarg12
In today's digital era, the dynamics of brand perception, consumer behavior, and profitability have been profoundly reshaped by the synergy of branding, social media, and website design. This research paper investigates the transformative power of these elements in influencing how individuals perceive brands and products and how this transformation can be harnessed to drive sales and profitability for businesses.
Through an exploration of brand psychology and consumer behavior, this study sheds light on the intricate ways in which effective branding strategies, strategic social media engagement, and user-centric website design contribute to altering consumers' perceptions. We delve into the principles that underlie successful brand transformations, examining how visual identity, messaging, and storytelling can captivate and resonate with target audiences.
Methodologically, this research employs a comprehensive approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses. Real-world case studies illustrate the impact of branding, social media campaigns, and website redesigns on consumer perception, sales figures, and profitability. We assess the various metrics, including brand awareness, customer engagement, conversion rates, and revenue growth, to measure the effectiveness of these strategies.
The results underscore the pivotal role of cohesive branding, social media influence, and website usability in shaping positive brand perceptions, influencing consumer decisions, and ultimately bolstering sales and profitability. This paper provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations for businesses seeking to leverage branding, social media, and website design as potent tools to enhance their market position and financial success.
White wonder, Work developed by Eva TschoppMansi Shah
White Wonder by Eva Tschopp
A tale about our culture around the use of fertilizers and pesticides visiting small farms around Ahmedabad in Matar and Shilaj.
Book Formatting: Quality Control Checks for DesignersConfidence Ago
This presentation was made to help designers who work in publishing houses or format books for printing ensure quality.
Quality control is vital to every industry. This is why every department in a company need create a method they use in ensuring quality. This, perhaps, will not only improve the quality of products and bring errors to the barest minimum, but take it to a near perfect finish.
It is beyond a moot point that a good book will somewhat be judged by its cover, but the content of the book remains king. No matter how beautiful the cover, if the quality of writing or presentation is off, that will be a reason for readers not to come back to the book or recommend it.
So, this presentation points designers to some important things that may be missed by an editor that they could eventually discover and call the attention of the editor.
Expert Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Drafting ServicesResDraft
Whether you’re looking to create a guest house, a rental unit, or a private retreat, our experienced team will design a space that complements your existing home and maximizes your investment. We provide personalized, comprehensive expert accessory dwelling unit (ADU)drafting solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring a seamless process from concept to completion.
2. Plain language means users can
find what they need
understand what they find
use the information
to meet their goals
This definition was written by Ginny Redish and is used by the Center for Plain Language
3. Plain language = a11y
= usability
= user experience
for information
4. Plain information is important
because people...
have different degrees of literacy
do not always read carefully.
may have a cognitive disability
or a visual disability that can affect reading.
may not know (or read) the language well
5. 43% of Americans have a reading disability
Below basic
30 million
14%
Basic
63 million
29%
Intermediate
95 million
44%
Proficient
28 million
13%
U.S. National Assessment of Adult Literacy
http://nces.ed.gov/naal/kf_demographics.asp
6. Even skilled readers may be
rushed
distracted
tired
stressed
inexperienced
confused
7. We understand the problem
too much text ignored or skipped
hidden steps miss important actions
jargon and unfamiliar words misinterpret meaning
instructions in the wrong place make mistakes
passive voice (ambiguity) guess what to do
8. When voters can't understand the
ballot, forms, and voter guides
they think that elections are
difficult, confusing, and complicated.
9. There's a lot of forces behind
difficult-to-read information
We've always done it like that!
The curse of completeness.
It's legal. It's supposed to sound like that.
My audience or content is special.
They can't tell the difference.
10. Myth: “My audience is special”
But compare these guidelines for different audiences
Teens
Write simply,
using words that
are common to
your readers’
vocabulary
Be concise and
get to the point
Make the content
apply to personal
and cultural
experiences
Older adults
Use words that
most older adults
know
Write in plain
language with short,
simple and
straightforward
sentences
Low literacy
Put the most important
information first
Write text with a simple
sentence structure
Keep pages,
paragraphs, sentences
short
11. Myth: “People can’t tell the difference”
Preference for style of instructions
(% of participants)
9
82
9
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Traditional version
Plain language version
No preference
Report of Findings: Use of Language in Ballot Instructions, NIST IR 7556
13. Accessible UX Principle: Plain Language
People can read, understand, and use the information
• Write for your audience.
• Follow plain language guidelines for writing content.
• Write sentences and paragraphs for easy scanning.
• Support users through their tasks.
• Structure the whole page for scanning and comprehension.
• Write helpful links.
• Use language your audience is familiar with, or provide definitions.
• Provide plain language summaries of complex content.
• Don’t rely on readability formulas.
• Usability test your content.
Accessible UX Guidelines and a cross-reference to WCAG 2.0
http://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/a-web-for-everyone/resources/
14. 1. Write for the
audience
Speak to them
in their words
about their tasks
15. Elections (and government) are full of jargon
• absentee ballot
• canvassing board
• contests
• legislation
• primary electon
• provisional ballot
• remedial
• unaffilated
• early voting
• rebuttal
• redistricting
• polls
• change parties
• endorsement
• split your vote
• affiliate
16. Even simple election words can be confusing
Vote by mail
Early voting
Vote at the polls
17. Use simple, everyday words
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all Content posted on the Site.
18. Use plain language summaries for complex
content or to communicate key points
19. Leap and land on the same word
Give links good “scent of information”
HT: Caroline Jarrett
20. Speak directly to the reader
The text in the image says:
Living with MS.
Whether you just received a diagnosis of MS or have
been living with it for a long time—this section is filled
with information and tips on how to maintain your
quality of life in the years ahead. Read about
strategies to enhance your health and wellness,
maximize your productivity and independence, and
deal with emotional, social, and vocational
challenges.
nationalmssociety.org
23. Voters ask questions in their own ways
What's on the ballot?
Who do I support or vote for?
Who is running?
Who will I be voting for?
Who are the candidates?
Who supports the candidates?
What are the candidates’ positions on [specific issue]?
What are the ballot measures?
What are the pros and cons for the measures?
Does this measure mean a tax increases?
How does the official guide compare to the TV ads?
Who is in office right now?
24. Use active voice
Tell voters what to do rather than what not to do
Before
If that oval is not marked, your vote cannot be counted.
After
You must fill in the oval for your vote to count
Put the person doing the action before the verb
Before
Moving ahead is accomplished by touching the word Next
After
To go forward in the ballot, touch Next
25. Be positive
How much are the annual tuition fees at this
university?
Based on what they read, they gave the wrong
answer, thinking this university is more
expensive, not less.
A typical three-year degree at £3,000 a year adds up to to
£9,000 – a hefty sum that doesn’t include living costs....
...on average to £3,046 compared with £9,000...
Universities will be able to charge up to £3,000 for annual
tuition fees and the government is predicting that average
levels of student debt will be around £15,000 for those
entering higher education next year...
26. Can users
interpret and act
on the
information?
http://www.yourdiseaserisk.wustl.edu/hccpquiz.pl
32. How to vote
356 words
(1) Mark only with a writing instrument provided by the board of elections.
(2) To vote for a candidate whose name is printed on this ballot fill in the (insert oval or square, as
applicable) above or next to the name of the candidate.
(3) To vote for a person whose name is not printed on this ballot write or stamp his or her name in the
space labeled “write-in” that appears (insert at the bottom of the column, the end of the row or at the
bottom of the candidate names, as applicable) for such office (and, if required by the voting system in
use at such election, the instructions shall also include “and fill in the (insert oval or square, as
applicable) corresponding with the write-in space in which you have written in a name”).
(4) To vote yes or no on a proposal, if any, that appears on the (indicate where on the ballot the proposal
may appear) fill in the (insert oval or square, as applicable) that corresponds to your vote.
(5) Any other mark or writing, or any erasure made on this ballot outside the voting squares or blank
spaces provided for voting will void this entire ballot.
(6) Do not overvote. If you select a greater number of candidates than there are vacancies to be filled,
your ballot will be void for that public office, party position or proposal.
(7) If you tear, or deface, or wrongly mark this ballot, return it and obtain another. Do not attempt to
correct mistakes on the ballot by making erasures or cross outs. Erasures or cross outs may invalidate
all or part of your ballot. Prior to submitting your ballot, if you make a mistake in completing the ballot or
wish to change your ballot choices, you may obtain and complete a new ballot. You have a right to a
replacement ballot upon return of the original ballot.
(8) After completing your ballot, insert it into the ballot scanner and wait for the notice that your ballot
has been successfully scanned. If no such notice appears, seek the assistance of an election inspector.
33. How to vote
106 words
Mark the oval to the left of the name of your choice.
To vote for a candidate whose name is not printed on the ballot, print the name
clearly in the box labeled 'write-in', staying within the box.
Do not make any marks outside the spaces provided for voting. If you do, your ballot
may not count.
The number of choices is listed for each contest. Do not mark the ballot for more
candidates than allowed. If you do, your vote in that contest will not count.
If you make a mistake, or want to change your vote, ask a poll worker for a new
ballot.
34. Let's untangle this ballot instruction
NOTICE
If you tear, deface, or make a mistake and wrongfully mark any ballot,
you must return it to the election board and receive a new ballot or set of ballots.
To vote for a person whose name is printed on the ballot, darken the oval at the left of the person’s name. To vote for a person whose name is not printed on
the ballot, write the person’s name in the blank space, if any is provided, and darken the oval to the left.
TO VOTE, DARKEN THE OVAL NEXT TO YOUR CHOICE, LIKE THIS
NOTICE
If you tear, deface, or make a mistake and wrongfully mark any ballot,
you must return it to the election board and receive a new ballot or set of ballots.
To vote for a person whose name is printed on the ballot, darken the oval at the
left of the person’s name. To vote for a person whose name is not printed on the
ballot, write the person’s name in the blank space, if any is provided, and darken
the oval to the left.
TO VOTE, DARKEN THE OVAL NEXT TO YOUR CHOICE, LIKE THIS
35. 1. Put the instructions in a logical order
TO VOTE, DARKEN THE OVAL NEXT TO YOUR CHOICE, LIKE THIS
To vote for a person whose name is printed on the ballot, darken the oval at
the left of the person’s name.
To vote for a person whose name is not printed on the ballot, write the
person’s name in the blank space, if any is provided, and darken the oval to
the left.
If you tear, deface, or make a mistake and wrongfully mark any ballot,
you must return it to the election board and receive a new ballot or set of
ballots
36. 2. Remove centering and capital letters.
To vote, darken the oval next to your choice, like this
To vote for a person whose name is printed on the ballot, darken the oval at
the left of the person’s name.
To vote for a person whose name is printed on the ballot, darken the oval at
the left of the person’s name. To vote for a person whose name is not printed
on the ballot, write the person’s name in the blank space, if any is provided,
and darken the oval to the left.
If you tear, deface, or make a mistake and wrongfully mark any ballot,
you must return it to the election board and receive a new ballot or set of
ballots
37. 3. Simplify the text to use common words
To vote, fill in the oval next to your choice, like this:
To vote for a person whose name is printed on the ballot, fill in the oval at the
left of the person’s name.
To vote for a person whose name is not on the ballot, write the person’s name
in the blank space, and fill in the oval next to it.
If you make a mistake marking your ballot, return it to the election board and
receive a new ballot or set of ballots.
38. 4. Make the text active. Keep simplifying.
To vote, fill in the oval next to your choice, like this:
To vote for a person whose name is not on the ballot, write the person’s name
in the blank space, and fill in the oval next to it.
If you make a mistake marking your ballot, ask a poll worker for a new ballot.
39. 5. Add an illustration and a heading
To vote, fill in the oval next to your choice
To vote for a person whose name is not on the
ballot, write the name in the blank space, and fill in
the oval next to it.
If you make a mistake marking your ballot, ask a
poll worker for a new ballot.
40. Think about how people will read the
form, instructions, or text
41. Can they...
read all of the information
easily?
navigate through the
form to find everything
they need?
identify the different
sections of the ballot or
form?
find, read, and follow
instructions accurately?
42. Can they...
understand what each
instruction means?
follow instructions easily?
complete the ballot
without making
mistakes?
respond appropriately to
error messages?
44. Storytelling for User Experience
with Kevin Brooks
Global UX
with Daniel Szuc
A Web for Everyone
with Sarah Horton
http://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/a-web-for-everyone/
46. Center for Civic Design
centerforcivicdesign.org
@civicdesign
Whitney Quesenbery
whitneyq@centerforcivicdesign.org
@whitneyq
Editor's Notes
Below basic – only the most simple and concrete reading skills: Labels, simple signs,
Basic – able to manage everyday tasks: basic instructions
Intermediate – moderately challenging activities like consulting reference material: newspapers,
Proficient – interpreting text, comparing viewpoints: arguments
National assessment
Adults 16+
19K participants
2003
Prose, document, quantitative literacy.
All three are important in elections
But, this is the bottom line
And it contributes to voter disengagement.
No shouting.
Active text
If before then
96 words down to 54 words – think about your translation budget
NOTICE
If you tear, deface, or make a mistake and wrongfully mark any ballot, you must return it to the election bard and receive a new ballot or set of ballots.
To vote for a person whose name is printed on the ballot, darken the oval at the left of the person’s name. To vote for a person whose name is not printed on the ballot, write the person’s name in the blank space, if any is provided, and darken the oval to the left.
TO VOTE, DARKEN THE OVAL NEXT TO YOUR CHOICE, LIKE THIS