My projects ▸ Plain language examples

Challenge
Governments often use complex language to present essential services. This makes it hard for people to get government benefits.
Solution
Use plain language to translate complex information into clear, user-centered content.
Impact
Helped people find, understand, and use the government benefits they’re entitled to.

Millions of people visit government websites to get help. Like applying for benefits after losing a job. Or, checking if their new business can get tax credits. 

Asking for help in a time of need can be stressful for anyone. And stress significantly impacts our ability to focus and make decisions, according to the latest research from the American Psychological Association. 

That’s why it’s important to use plain language to present content in a clear, user-centered way.

According to federal guidelines, plain language helps your audience:
• Find what they need
• Understand what they find
• Use what they find to meet their needs

Using plain language also respects everyone’s time. If you communicate in a clear way, your audience gets what they need right away—and you may not need to explain things as many times.

Here are some examples of how I used plain language to help people find, understand, and use government benefits.