How can you simplify technical information for aviation stakeholders?

1 Know your audience

Before you prepare your message, you need to understand who your audience is, what they need to know, and how they prefer to receive information. For example, pilots may want more details and jargon than customers, while regulators may have specific formats and standards to follow. You can use surveys, interviews, feedback, or personas to learn more about your audience's characteristics, expectations, and preferences.

2 Use plain language

Plain language is a way of writing that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. It avoids unnecessary words, complex sentences, passive voice, and vague terms. Plain language also uses common words, active voice, and specific examples. To check if your writing is plain enough, you can use tools like Hemingway Editor, Plain Language Checklist, or Readability Score. You can also ask someone from your audience to review your message and give you feedback.

3 Organize your information

A well-organized message helps your audience follow your main points, find relevant details, and remember key takeaways. You can use headings, subheadings, bullet points, tables, charts, or diagrams to structure your information. You can also use the inverted pyramid model, which starts with the most important information and then provides more details as needed. You can also use transitions, summaries, and calls to action to guide your audience through your message.

4 Use visuals

Visuals can help you simplify technical information by showing rather than telling. They can also make your message more engaging, memorable, and persuasive. You can use visuals such as photos, icons, graphs, maps, infographics, or videos to illustrate your concepts, data, processes, or results. However, you need to make sure that your visuals are relevant, accurate, clear, and consistent with your message. You also need to provide captions, labels, legends, or sources for your visuals.

5 Explain acronyms and terms

Acronyms and technical terms are common in aviation, but they can confuse or alienate your audience if they are not familiar with them. You should avoid using too many acronyms and terms, and always explain them the first time you use them. You can also provide a glossary or a list of definitions for your audience to refer to. You can also use analogies, metaphors, or comparisons to help your audience understand complex or abstract concepts.