Plain language on Digital.gov

Making the case for human-centered design: A Department of Justice case study

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The Access DOJ initiative shares nine lessons on making services more accessible, effective, and efficient.

Simplifying manual accessibility testing: How plain language instructions drive compliance

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Testing for accessibility ensures that digital services are usable for everyone. Explore how the Office of Natural Resources and Revenue (ONRR) streamlined their manual testing process with plain language instructions to create a more uniform testing methodology across their agency. By balancing detail with usability and continually updating resources, ONRR empowers both their small team and subject matter experts to meet Section 508 compliance.

Introducing the Department of Homeland Security customer experience toolkit

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The Department of Homeland Security’s Customer Experience Directorate developed a customer experience (CX) toolkit to help agencies implement CX strategies using a human-centered design approach. The toolkit offers resources to enhance service delivery, processes, and systems, following a “Ready, Set, Grow” framework for planning and implementation. It aims to serve as a reference for organizations bringing CX practices to their own agencies.

Three tips for using meta descriptions

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

At USA.gov and USAGov en Español, the goal is to make content more useful to the public, and meta descriptions are one way to help people quickly find the government information they’re looking for. These brief summaries of webpage content appear in search engine results to entice users to click through, attracting visitors to agency websites. Regularly updating these descriptions based on user data can enhance their effectiveness. Read in more detail about their three tips to create effective meta descriptions: identify commonly searched keywords, write engaging and actionable descriptions, and ensure each one is unique.

FEMA National Summit on Risk Communications, Crisis Communications, and Community Engagement

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Office of External Affairs is convening risk and crisis communicators and community leaders who are on the front-line of the climate and emerging hazard crises. Attend the free, June 10, 2024, summit virtually, or in Washington, DC. The agenda includes: the sharing invaluable tools and insights, how to implement culturally competent and accessible communications, how to integrate behavior change strategies, and more. An ASL interpreter will be provided.

Reconsidering the consent form: the least user-friendly aspect of UX research

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Open Data, Design, and Development (ODDD) team has replaced signed consent forms with a more accessible user research agreement process, offering multiple opt-in points. This ensures informed consent and participant autonomy. Explore why and how the ODDD team implemented this comprehensive participant consent process in their user research.

How USAGov uses data to improve content

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Each month, USAGov’s content designers spend many hours ensuring that the content on USA.gov and USAGov en Español is up-to-date, accurate, and meets user needs. Learn how their team does holistic reviews of each topic section based on a rolling calendar with the goal of updating all content at least every 6 months.

An introduction to working with social media influencers

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 13:12:00 -0500

Learn how to partner with social media influencers and design, implement, and measure an influencer program.

An introduction to content

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:44:00 -0500

Best practices for creating clear, useful, digital content for federal websites and digital services.

Delivering on 21st Century IDEA: A case study from the GSA SmartPay team (Part 3)

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 08:04:00 -0500

A GSA SmartPay product owner shares her experience designing user-centered, accessible content for multiple audiences.

PlainLanguage.gov

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:14:00 -0500

A resource to help federal employees write in plain language and comply with the Plain Writing Act of 2010.

An introduction to trust

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:29:00 -0500

Guidance on how to build government websites that people can trust.

Why the American People Deserve a Digital Government

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:26:00 -0500

OMB recently released new policy guidance for government that includes a variety of actions and standards to help federal agencies design, develop, and deliver modern websites and digital services. Memo M-23-22, Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience, will make it seamless for the public to obtain government information and services online, and help agencies fully implement the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (21st Century IDEA).

A conversation about content audits

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:12:00 -0500

Content audits can be tedious. Two content designers discuss why we do them anyway, and how to get started.

4 steps writers and editors can take to demonstrate value

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 21:00:00 -0500

As plain language writers and editors, we need to demonstrate the value we bring to projects. This writeup explains how to calculate the costs of our work and articulate its value.

An introduction to plain language

Mon, 01 May 2023 14:30:00 -0500

Understand how and why to use plain language on government websites and other digital services

The art of storytelling in a hybrid world

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:52:00 -0500

Combined with technology and audience awareness, our increasingly digital, hybrid world can still leverage that in-person charm through the art of storytelling.

Plain language on onrr.gov: coordination and implementation with web content owners

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:28:00 -0500

Strategies, examples, and lessons learned from coordinating with content owners to enhance plain language on onrr.gov.

A happy compromise between people-first and plain language

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:31:00 -0500

Find out how the National Institute of Corrections is using people-first plain language in its communications. See what words and phrases they’re changing.

How to manage a federal website

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 09:13:00 -0500

Managing government websites is a targeted exercise. Here are 5 steps to help you build and maintain a successful one.

To Build Trust, Aim for Easy

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 10:12:00 -0500

Trust is earned through consistency and commitment. Build sites that build trust by considering user needs, respecting people’s time, and avoiding customer experience pitfalls.

Tips for communicating about your research with non-scientists

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 12:53:00 -0500

Using plain language to describe your work is not only important, it’s also part of the NIH mission and federal law. Here are some tips for telling the public about your research and why it matters.

Jargon Madness: A Plain Language Exercise

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 19:14:00 -0500

During the 2022 Plain Language Summit, Laura Rabuck of the Veterans Health Administration demonstrated how to promote plain language practices by focusing on jargon, a common enemy of all plain writers.

Managing Stakeholder Feedback: Lessons from Experience

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 07:59:00 -0500

During the 2022 Plain Language Summit, Stephanie Morrison from the Department of Health and Human Services provided five tips for managing reviewers when asking for feedback.

Content Design for beta.ADA.gov: Writing for Action and Flexibility

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 18:00:00 -0500

10 Tips to Create, Maintain, and Present Non-English Digital Content: A Q&A with Michael Mulé

Mon, 23 May 2022 08:30:00 -0500

This question and answer session for our webinar, Language Connections: Tips to Create, Maintain, and Present Non-English Digital Content, can help you improve access to your multilingual digital content.

Lessons from the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 21:17:00 -0500

Lessons from the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 17:26:00 -0500

This event recap highlights best practices, a short case study video, and examples of federal web content that received both high and low scores in the 2021 Plain Language Report Card.

Webinar Recap: How To Best Connect With Your Spanish-speaking Audience During an Emergency

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 10:44:00 -0500

In this panel discussion, experts from different agencies shared how they’ve used social media to reach Hispanic audiences during emergencies and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keynote Speaker Recap: Would More Plain Language Have Saved Us From the Worst of the Pandemic?

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 13:02:00 -0500

A summary of Cynthia Baur’s keynote at the 2021 Plain Language Summit.

Webinar Recap: Key Takeaways on Simplifying Hazard Communications With Plain Language

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 12:35:00 -0500

An overview of the presentation by Danielle Nagele of NOAA at the 2021 Plain Language Summit. Learn how she and her team used feedback to decrease confusion and increase impact.

Webinar Recap: The Part-Timer

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 09:51:00 -0500

Learn how Joanne Short of the United States Postal Service (USPS) opened professional doors by going beyond her job description in her Plain Language Summit session, The Part-Timer.

Multilingual Huddle: Designing for Translation

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 12:19:00 -0500

In this webinar, Laura Godfrey and Fedora Braverman share tips for translating content in the digital context.

How to Present Like a Pro

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

How to Present Like a Pro—When you are presenting on streaming video, you are essentially doing the same thing as a television news anchor. Try these common methods that television presenters use daily to improve your presentation skills in the “zoom” era.

Join the Communicators

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:49:00 -0500

Improve written and verbal communication to make government more effective.

Section 508 IT Accessibility

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 13:00:00 -0500

To support people working to enhance access to federal information technology (IT), we identify and promote best practices for compliance with Section 508 law, and conformance to the Revised 508 Standards.

Join the Plain Language

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 10:58:53 -0400

Promote the use of plain language to provide better service to the public.

PlainLanguage.gov

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Guidance on the use of plain language for government communications and training for federal employees.

The Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Get help with the PRA, planning and submitting an information request, and finding your agency’s PRA contact.

An advanced approach to accessibility

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 08:00:00 -0500

A deeper look at accessibility: what to do, how to do it, and why it matters.

Bilingual Glossaries, Dictionaries, and Style Guides

Wed, 11 Jun 2014 09:55:00 -0500

Multilingual resources to standardize the use of various languages across government.

Join the Web Managers

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 02:31:00 -0500

Create a better online experience for the public alongside government web content managers.

Open Opportunities

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Discover opportunities across government that will help you build and make connections.

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.

Spring 2024 Community Summit

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Digital service experts across the federal government will share case studies and best practices on delivering a digital-first public experience.

Strengthening information accessibility for consumers with limited English proficiency

Wed, 24 May 2023 14:00:00 -0500

Tune in to learn what the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is doing to ensure financial products and services are accessible to all consumers, including those with limited English proficiency.

The plain language tie to translating digital content

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0500

Join us to discuss the plain language and cultural components of effectively translating digital content into multiple languages.

2022 Federal Plain Language Summit

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 10:30:00 -0500

Join the best and brightest plain language practitioners from across the federal government.

Increase Your Impact With Plain Language

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -0500

Get tips and lessons learned from the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division on using plain language to increase their impact and influence.

Plain Language + Compassion Help People in Crisis

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0500

Meet the content strategists who worked to transform FindTreatment.gov to connect people in crisis with the help that they need.

Results of the 2021 Federal Report Card

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 14:00:00 -0500

David Lipscomb from the Center for PL will review the results of this year’s Federal Plain Language Report Card and answer questions.

2021 Federal Plain Language Summit

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0500

On 9/21/21, PLAIN’s Fourth Federal PL Summit showcases federal employees’ plain language projects. Topics include COVID-19 agency responses, accessibility, user experience, and career enhancement.

Using Plain Language To Tell Our Stories

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0500

Learn how to tell a story and figure out what role plain language plays in storytelling.

Plain Language Webinar: Using Words to Build Better Digital Experiences

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 14:00:00 -0500

Words make digital experiences human-centered, and require just as much thought as the branding and code. As federal agencies strive to use human-centered design, they need to remember that words and design work together. See how interfaces rely on language, and how your writing can make or break an experience. Learn principles for UX writing that anyone who works on digital products can apply to their own work.

Positioning Yourself as a Plain Language Editor

Wed, 19 May 2021 14:00:00 -0500

Learn how to brand yourself as a plain language expert and get the credit at work that you deserve!

How Testing Your Documents Can Improve Plain Language Compliance

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:00:00 -0500

Usability testing isn’t only for websites. Come work with Dr. Ginny Redish and try out three techniques for quick and easy ways to test the usability of your documents.

Plain Language: Accessibility for Content

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -0500

Come join us as we focus on concerns and opportunities shared by the Section 508 and plain language communities in Government!

Virtual Teaching: Plain Language

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 14:00:00 -0500

We’ve all had to learn new modes of presenting and communicating now that we’re teleworking full-time and depend on online broadcast technology. But how can you engage students and teach a class while sitting in front of a laptop camera? Join Wendy Wagner-Smith from the Small Business Administration and find out!

2020 Federal Report Card Briefing

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 14:00:00 -0500

David Lipscomb will review, The Annual Federal Report Card, which is a snapshot of how well the federal government is following the 2010 Plain Writing Act.

2020 Federal Plain Language Summit

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:00:00 -0500

Join us for discussion from government and private-sector leaders on how to advance plain language in government communications. Hear lessons learned and victories of every size.

Federal Report Card Update

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 11:30:00 -0500

Learn how the Center for Plain Language is approaching the Federal Report Card and what agencies can do to get top grades.

The Average American Reader Needs You to Write (Even More) Clearly

Wed, 13 May 2020 14:00:00 -0500

Learn about the skills and needs of American readers, how we are failing our audiences, and ways to do better.

The Intersection Between Plain Language and 508 Compliance

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -0500

We’ll discuss how plain language intersects with 508 compliance requirements to make federal electronic documents and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Web Content

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0500

This week, we’re providing a few tips for tidying up redundant, outdated, and trivial content.

Writing for the Accessible Web

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Watch this special presentation featuring 18f Content Strategist, Ryan Johnson, where he discusses how you can effectively write accessible web content.

Readability Audits of Government Websites with Katherine Spivey

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 14:00:00 -0500

In this meeting, we’ll talk about readability audits and formulas and how they work—and don’t work—to improve web content and the users’ experience.

Call for Participation: Government UX Summit 2020

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 09:00:00 -0500

We’re looking for speakers to share their experiences as UX practitioners in government.

SocialGov Winter Meeting

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Join us for talks by colleagues from NIST, IRS, USPTO, PlainLanguage.gov, and DC HSEMA who will speak on the latest social media topics and an opportunity to do some in-person networking.

Plain Language in 2020

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0500

A look ahead at the coming year, and what we’ll accomplish together.

Ginny Redish: How to Collaborate on Strategies

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 14:00:00 -0500

How does content strategy mesh with business, user experience (UX), and a marketing strategy?

Plain Language Summit 2019

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 10:00:00 -0500

A day of talks and conversations on how to advance plain language in government communications, hosted by the federal Plain Language community of practice.

Federal Plain Language Report Card Planning

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Come and help us plan for this year’s federal report card review.

How to Develop an Agency Brand Voice That Connects With Customers Online

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Come join the Plain Language community on the 12th of June and learn how to develop an agency brand voice!

Principles of Speaking Plainly

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 15:00:00 -0500

This seminar adapts principles of plain language to the context of speaking, covering not only wording but also structure and integration with visual aids.

Managing Your Plain Language Career

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 15:00:00 -0500

We’ll discuss how to document and publicize your formal and informal plain language work — teaching, training, reviewing, or copyediting.

December PLAIN Meeting and Holiday Gathering

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 14:00:00 -0500

Join us for our traditional winter finger-food potluck where we’ll discuss the Clarity 2018 conference and plan out our 2019 meetings.

Responding to the Federal Plain Language Report Card

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 14:00:00 -0500

We will discuss the Federal Plain Language Report Card and how to address the issues the report card brings up.

Plain Language Summit 2018

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 10:00:00 -0500

The federal Plain Language community is holding their first all-day summit in Washington D.C., and you’re invited!

PLAIN Language: Forms-a-palooza

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 14:00:00 -0500

Join the the Plain Language Community of Practice for an hour-long conversation about how best to revise forms and convince your agency that the long-term benefits outweigh the cost.

Infographics: Plain Language Considerations

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 15:00:00 -0500

The March meeting of the Plain Language Community of Practice will focus what makes an infographic easy to understand

Plain Language Community Meeting

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 14:00:00 -0500

This in-person meeting of the Plain Language Community of Practice will focus on volunteers.

January PLAIN Monthly Meeting

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 13:00:00 -0500

Monthly meeting of the Plain Language Community of Practice.

An Around the World Recap PLAIN Monthly Meeting

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 14:00:00 -0500

In this online event, PLAIN co-chairs will provide a recap of international plain language initiatives discussed at the 2017 Plain Language Association International conference in Graz, Austria.

A Conversation With ITIF About the State of Federal Government Websites

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 11:00:00 -0400

Since it’s been nearly six months since their report was released, we wanted to check in with ITIF and see what they’ve learned, what they’ve heard from agencies and what their future plans are to build on this research.

Webinar Recap: Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) June Meeting

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 03:00:41 -0400

This June 2017 meeting featured the presentation, Plain Language Spectrum: Every Step Counts!

The New FEC.gov

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 10:25:09 -0400

Last week, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) unveiled their new website at FEC.gov. This new site is the result of a years-long collaboration with GSA’s 18F and features completely revamped tools for exploring campaign finance data. It provides user-centered content for understanding the reporting and compliance requirements for people participating in federal elections, redesigned tools

Style Guides by Government Agencies

Tue, 23 May 2017 03:43:08 -0400

This page is a collection of style guides created by government agencies.

New ITIF Report Inspires a Closer Look at Website Performance and Security—Here Is Where to Begin

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 11:02:04 -0400

The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) recently published a report, Benchmarking U.S. Government Websites, that looks at the performance, security, and accessibility of the top 297 government websites.

Writing for the Web Is Easy. Writing for Users Is Not.

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 11:00:25 -0400

We all do it. Whether on Twitter, Facebook, or the comment section on a news article, it’s easy to get our writing on the internet. Many of us have personal websites or contribute to blogs. We work at organizations with content management systems that allow us to publish pages with a single button click. The

Using Plain Language to Bridge the Gap Between Government and Industry

Thu, 23 Jun 2016 13:30:02 -0400

Much of our work with government partners to deliver better digital services has resulted in full websites, applications, and embarking on large-scale transformation efforts. In addition to those types of projects, we also work on shorter, faster, smaller-scale projects designed to show our partners different points of view and different techniques to approach their most

The Content Corner: Will You Read This Entire Post?

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 11:00:29 -0400

Deep down we’ve always known that people only read a small portion of any content shared online. In many ways that can’t be fixed but there are ways to help people read more or at least scan better. There was a book I loved as a child that featured the Sesame Street character Grover, titled

Putting Your Main Message First

Fri, 12 Feb 2016 10:00:31 -0400

Want to learn how to clearly communicate your message? Watch the new “Put Your Main Message First” video from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Created by USCIS’ Office of Communications, the video teaches you about the importance of organizing your information so that your audience understands your key messages. “It’s common in government writing

Good Content Needs Plain Language

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 13:48:55 -0400

If good content is essential to good user experience, as Tyrus Manuel proposes in his November 23, 2015, DigitalGov post, then plain language is also part of good user experience. Plain language helps the public do what they need to do—find forms, apply for benefits, look up information and more—when they use federal websites and other

Getting Serious About Good Writing—EIA’s Write Right Curriculum

Fri, 11 Dec 2015 11:10:22 -0400

Let’s see–you want to improve the skills of your agency’s writers. Here’s a to-do list: Enlist a high-level champion, ideally your agency head, to make statements saying writing skills are critical—check. Create a Writing Style Guide—check. Hold classes to introduce the Style Guide—check. Expand internal editing resources—check. But what’s next? If you really want to

OMB Final Guidance on Implementing the Plain Writing Act of 2010 (M-11-15)

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 01:34:16 -0400

Provides final guidance on implementing the Plain Writing Act of 2010 and is designed to promote the goals of the president’s Open Government Initiative.

Roadmap for Creating a Writing Style Guide: One Step at a Time

Fri, 20 Nov 2015 10:00:37 -0400

So, you’re tired of seeing little (or big!) errors on your agency’s website, and you flinch at the random writing styles. You feel like your agency’s content is good, but there are still too many inconsistencies. What you need is an agency Writing Style Guide. A good guide can set styles that improve your agency’s

Plain Writing Act of 2010

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 02:13:05 -0400

The law requires that federal agencies provide clear communication about government information and services for the public.

Federal Plain Language Guidelines

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 02:06:53 -0400

The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) put together these federal guidelines to help implement the Plain Language Act of 2010.

Technical Writing Need Not Be Abstruse—Use Plain Language for Maximum Impact

Fri, 23 Oct 2015 10:00:55 -0400

Author writes: Additionally, the method utilized a myriad of factors for the purpose of incentivizing production to hit record-high levels of magnitude in the equivalent time period. Author thinks: My work sounds serious, impressive and interesting. Reader thinks: Huh? Technical writers are great—some of my favorite colleagues are technical writers. But technical writers often need

FAQs Done Right

Fri, 04 Sep 2015 10:00:35 -0400

In the circle of Web content life, FAQ sections are an endangered species. We’ve previously discussed the relevance of FAQs: Should FAQs go extinct, or are they a useful tool in your content ecosystem? Kathryn Catania, Chief of the Plain Language and Content Division at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, encourages agencies to take

HTTPS and Other Ranking Factors: What Impacts the SEO of Government Websites?

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 10:00:43 -0400

Following the recent OMB memo that all publicly available federal websites and Web services must implement HTTPS by December 31, 2016, Web content managers across government are considering the SEO (search engine optimization) implications of the transition, among other details.

An Overview of Digital Communities

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 11:10:49 -0400

Digital communities of practice come in many stripes. DigitalGov communities span eight (and counting) focus areas and have thousands of members, but strong collaborations exist in all corners of government. In honor of this month’s communities theme, we are offering a list of communities that foster connections and strengthen the digital capabilities of federal agencies.

The Content Corner: Connecting With Customers at Labor

Mon, 18 May 2015 10:00:35 -0400

Here at DigitalGov, customer service is a focal theme during the month of May, and by some type of cosmic chance, I was invited to share my insights on content strategy and content creation at a Customer Service Community of Practice event at the Department of Labor. The event focused on topics I commonly discuss here

Mobilegeddon: Government Edition

Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:15:42 -0400

Much is being said and written about the coming Mobilegeddon/Mopocalypse on April 21st—the day Google’s ranking algorithm will begin boosting results for mobile-friendly sites and penalizing mobile-unfriendly sites. While some agency websites are mobile-friendly, a great many are not. We will do well to pay attention—almost 25% of traffic on government websites is coming from

Plain Language Web Writing Tips

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 02:58:29 -0400

Help your readers complete their tasks with these Plain Language writing tips.

Avoid Weak ‘Links’ in Your Digital Chain

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 11:10:25 -0400

Users don’t like surprises. Unexpected or unwanted content undermines the credibility of your agency and frustrates users who come to your website looking for specific information. Using links appropriately in your website content is one way to build trust with users, according to an article by Kara Pernice of the Nielsen Norman Group. Here’s a

6 Digital Media Trends for 2015: You Can Make Them Accessible!

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 02:30:19 -0400

Resolutions and predictions abound this time of year. If you’ve already lost the fight to finally give up sardine ice cream, you can always resolve to maintain or improve your digital media accessibility. Some people say that accessibility and Section 508 compliance squashes

Institute of Education Sciences – Usability Case Study

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 10:00:32 -0400

After struggling with jargon-filled solicitations and a confusing website, some applicants were ready to give up on seeking grants from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). Their complaints prompted a Plain Language makeover for the Institute’s funding materials. As the research arm of the U.S. Education Department, IES’s mission is to provide rigorous and relevant evidence

Get Out of the Jargon Trap: Plain Language Training Can Help

Fri, 15 Aug 2014 10:00:22 -0400

The Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN) is the official federal working group designated to help agencies with plain language, including training. PLAIN offers free 3.5-hour classes in the principles of plain language and plain language for Web writing.

Is It Tweet-Worthy?

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 01:00:27 -0400

The Web now contains over 1.51 billion pages of content, according to WorldWideWebSize.com. That’s a lot of reading material, and a lot of content competing with yours for attention. People won’t waste time (even a few seconds) on an article that doesn’t matter to them in some way—not when there are so many other interesting

How to Tell Your Agency’s Story—Plainly

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 10:00:23 -0400

You’ve got the right words, the active verbs, the carefully chosen adjectives and adverbs. You’ve got the facts. You’ve got the talking points. All you have to do is put it together, right?

Plain Language Expert

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 08:24:42 -0400

A few days ago a coworker asked me to look at a paragraph. He said it was on the top customer service priorities in our division. So I scooted my chair over and looked at it. Then I looked at him and asked, “But what

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

A resource to help federal employees write in plain language and comply with the Plain Writing Act of 2010.