Content design
Don't put hints inside text boxes in web forms
When you are making a digital form, is it OK to put a hint inside a text box? The short version of my advice: don’t do it! Hint text is rarely effective as a way of helping users, but insteadContinue reading... Don’t put hints inside text boxes in web forms
Why you should use the correct heading structure in your content
Heading structure really is important for lots of reasons. And I have to tell you, I'm a bit of a stickler for it in Word or Google Docs documents too. If I see headings that are just body text made bold, you betcha I'm applying sensible headings to them instead.
Start building a plain language culture today
Plain language is only effective and sustainable when it becomes a culture. I want to share: what I mean by a plain language culture how the people at our agency have built such a culture how to nurture such a culture among any writers, whether they write as individuals, as members of teams, or as p
The principles that guide our content design and communications in Funeralcare
It's all well and good using clear language, but you still have to get the right tone and choose the right words. It's even more important when writing about difficult or sensitive topics. The Co-op team do lots of great work and this piece by lead content designer, Helen Lawson, is a fine example.
Why plain language and Plain English are different
So, this is a good piece. First, it includes some backstory on the Plain English Campaign and an exciting founder rift I didn't know about. But more importantly, it highlights the problem with claiming to write in clear language if you don't test your content with real users. Is it really clear? How do you know?
This is why whenever I run workshops (did I mention I run workshops?), I always introduce plain English alongside the principles of content design. That includes creating content based on user research and evidence. To write clearly, you need to understand who you are writing for and what they want to achieve.