How do you use plain language to improve the accessibility and usability of your web content?

Agreed! I would also like to add that it is much easier to translate the content into other languages, known as localization, when plain language is used to write the original content. Writing in plain language should also translate to (pun intended) writing in easy-to-translate terms. For example, IKEA uses plain language to write their furniture assembly instructions, which could be easily translated into local languages of over 31 countries (researched on Google) they operate in.

To make your web content more accessible and user-friendly, start by using plain, simple language. Avoid jargon and explain any complex terms clearly. Keep sentences short and structured in a logical flow. Use active voice to make your content more engaging and direct. Break down information into bullet points or lists for easy reading. Ensure your website design complements the text with clear fonts and responsive layout. Remember, inclusive language matters; it makes everyone feel welcome. Regularly update your content and test it with real users to keep it relevant and approachable. This approach not only enhances readability but also makes your content more relatable and engaging for a diverse audience.

N?o adianta falar tequiniquês perfeito, se a pessoa usuária n?o vai absorver todo o conteúdo. Falar bem é falar simples. Quando traduzimos conceitos complexos e os aproximamos da realidade de quem está lendo, ajudamos na compreens?o e consumo do nosso conteúdo. N?o sabe como fazer? Fa?a simples!

Plain language is helpful for keeping attention. Have you ever started reading a paragraph, then halfway through, realize you forgot how it started, and you don't know what you're reading about? Chances are it wasn't worded in a way that kept your attention, and your mind wandered to other things. As the writer, it is your job to keep the reader's attention and understanding. Keep things as simple and clear as possible.

Plain language, to me, just means speaking (writing) clearly. No adjectives or hyperbole, just simple, concise sentences. Remember your audience could be anyone! A high-level manager to an entry-level intern. Be clear, be concise. Both audiences will appreciate that you didn't make them work very hard to understand your writing. By being clear, you save the reader time and energy; they don't have to stop and figure out what you're saying! "Store the item in a refrigerator" is better than "This item does best when stored in any device that maintains a temperature between 35 and 38 degrees." Keep it Simple!

I think an example is necessary here. I use a few examples when mentoring new technical writers but can't put my hand on them now.

To enhance your web content through plain language, consider the following: Adjust your language to the level of your audience. Choose simple and familiar words. Break down information into brief sentences. Prioritize clarity in your communication. Structure your content logically with headings, subheadings, and bullet points for easy scanning. Explain unfamiliar terms or concepts. Use an active voice for straightforward communication. Keep your content concise and to the point. Test for readability to align content with audience comprehension. If using technical terms, provide simpler alternatives. Consider using visual elements. Seek feedback for improvement. Stay plain and personable.

This is an area where technology can help. Use plugins like Sapling that can be configured to warn you when you are using a word or phrase that's not translation friendly, or something that can be misunderstood. Its very difficult to keep these words on memory. Just like how the tool takes care of structure, there are good browser plugins (where you dont havr to sell your kidneys) but still be able to express and explain without the need to remember stuff constantly.

Apenas uma dica de ferramenta. Se você utiliza wordpress, cogite instalar o plugin Yoast e seguir as recomenda??es na área leiturabilidade. V?o simplificar muito a escrita e deixar o texto mais coeso.

I am the sole content designer and writer for our organization’s website. As such, whatever information is available on our company must come through my fingertips and thoughts. While that’s useful from a branding and language standpoint, it also means that every typo, grammatical error, and misplaced punctuation can be traced back to my keyboard. Aside from frequent page reviews on my own, I solicit others to offer advice as well. “I heard you were looking for a resource on our webpage. Did you find what you needed?” Imagine you work for a retailer and are helping a shopper find a physical product on the shelf. Having this mindset helps understand the needs of the consumer [read: webpage viewer] and will guide your page design.

Even after you launch the content and had suitable testing, you have to keep keen eye on your documentation and make sure it's still updated and easy to read. Documentation usually is a living document as processes change. For example customers may have developed a new pain point that wasn't realized until extensive use of the product. To fix that, you had to launch a bug fix and thus requiring you to alter the user manual for the new fix.

Plain language to me means taking a "customer facing" perspective. It's easy to fall into the curse-of-knowledge trap of thinking that because you know something, so does your audience. If the point of the content is to elevate the audience's knowledge or instruct, then it's only logical to begin with broader concepts, define your terms with simplicity and take measures, such as avoiding acronyms. Doing this will lead your audience to the goals of your sharing in the first place.