Effective communication, much like effective navigation, hinges on clear design. This fundamental principle was recently explored in depth on the West Coast Editorial Associates website through a blog post authored by Lucy Kenward. Published on July 1, 2025, the article, categorized under the topic of “Plain language,” employs a compelling analogy: that of maps.
In her piece, Kenward posits that just as a well-designed map serves as an indispensable tool for guiding individuals through complex physical terrain, plain language serves a similar purpose in guiding readers through potentially intricate textual landscapes. The core argument centers on the idea that plain language isn’t merely a matter of simplifying words, but a deliberate design choice aimed at ensuring information is immediately understandable and accessible to its intended audience. This perspective elevates plain language from a stylistic preference to a critical component of functional communication design.
The Power of the Map Analogy
Kenward’s use of the map analogy is particularly insightful. Consider the purpose of a map: it takes vast, complex spatial data – streets, buildings, geographical features – and renders it in a visual format that allows a user to quickly grasp their location, chart a course, and understand their surroundings. A good map is designed with its user in mind, employing clear symbols, logical layouts, appropriate scales, and highlighting key information while downplaying less relevant details. It doesn’t overwhelm with unnecessary complexity; it empowers with clarity.
According to Kenward, the parallel with plain language is striking. Complex subjects – be they legal statutes, technical instructions, medical information, or financial documents – are often presented in a manner akin to a dense, illegible map. They might contain all the necessary information, but it is buried under jargon, convoluted sentence structures, and poor organization. Plain language, in this analogy, acts as the skilled cartographer, designing the text (the “map”) so that the reader (the “traveller”) can easily find their way, understand the terrain (the information), and reach their destination (comprehension and action).
Plain Language: A Design Imperative
The concept of “design” is central to Kenward’s argument, resonating with the original headline “Plain language by design.” This emphasizes that clarity is not an accidental outcome but the result of intentional effort and strategic planning during the writing and editing process. It involves considering the audience’s existing knowledge, their purpose for reading the document, and the context in which they will use the information. Just as a map designer considers whether the map is for a hiker, a driver, or a city planner, a plain language practitioner considers whether the text is for a legal expert, a healthcare patient, or a general consumer.
Implementing plain language by design means prioritizing the reader’s needs from the outset. It involves structuring information logically, using headings and subheadings to create clear pathways, employing concise sentences and paragraphs, choosing familiar words, and using formatting effectively (like lists and tables) to make information scannable and digestible. It’s about ensuring the message is not just present, but also receivable.
Benefits Across Sectors
The call for plain language is gaining momentum across various sectors globally, driven by a recognition of its tangible benefits. In government, plain language improves civic engagement and compliance by making laws, regulations, and public information accessible to all citizens. In healthcare, it enhances patient understanding of diagnoses, treatments, and medication instructions, leading to better health outcomes and reduced errors. In the legal and financial fields, it helps consumers understand complex contracts, policies, and terms, fostering trust and reducing disputes.
Businesses also benefit significantly. Clear internal communications boost productivity. Plain language marketing materials and customer service information improve customer satisfaction and reduce support inquiries. Websites and digital platforms designed with plain language principles are more user-friendly and inclusive. The investment in plain language design pays dividends in efficiency, reduced risk, and improved relationships with stakeholders.
The Role of Editorial Expertise
Achieving plain language “by design” often requires specialized skills. This is where organizations like West Coast Editorial Associates play a crucial role. Their expertise lies in analyzing complex texts, identifying barriers to comprehension, and redesigning the communication to be clear, accurate, and effective while retaining all essential information and legal validity where applicable. It involves not just editing for grammar and style, but fundamentally restructuring and rephrasing content with the reader’s needs as the primary focus.
Lucy Kenward’s post on the West Coast Editorial Associates website on July 1, 2025, serves as a timely reminder that clarity is paramount in effective communication. By drawing a parallel between the functional design of maps and the intentional creation of plain language texts, she underscores that accessibility and understanding should be the default, not an afterthought. Prioritizing plain language is not merely a matter of simplifying text; it is about designing information ecosystems that allow everyone to navigate the world of words with confidence and comprehension.
