Plain language training
In 2022, I joined a large design team that had grown exponentially over the past year. To scale clearer and more accessible content quickly, I proposed to train our design team on how to write in plain language.
My role
- Content audit to identify key phrases and experiences where content could be more clear, concise, and accessible.
- Reviewed source materials from plainlanguage.gov and WCAG 3.0 to synthesize plain language principles our designers should keep in mind.
- Brainstormed with my teammates on how to structure and pace the interactive portion of the training.
- Mapped out each principle we wanted to highlight, and created an exercise with original content to practice rewriting.
- Tested the training with product designers to ensure the content and activity were clear and engaging.
Solutions
I designed and ran a 5-minute training activity that included:
- plain language principles
- examples of how to apply plain language inside our product
- key phrases to avoid in Klaviyo
- a toolkit of plain language resources to use during the activity
- an interactive breakout activity to practice plain language writing
Results
- 4 dozen designers writing in plain language together
- 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they:
- felt more confident about writing in plain language
- would recommended this training to other designers
- Feedback that most commonly described the activity as "fun" 🥰
Feedback
"The session was a great reminder of how to practice inclusive copy writing"
"The activity was super fun and helpful for reinforcing the lesson"
"Loved the breakout to apply the content and loved the fun context of the activity"
