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25Q2
25Q2
  • GovStack
  • Contributing
  • Architecture and Nonfunctional Requirements
    • 2 Introduction
    • 3 GovStack Architecture
    • 4 Building Block Design Principles and Considerations
    • 5 Cross-Cutting Requirements
    • 6 Onboarding Products
    • 7 Standards
    • 8 UX Switching and Handover
    • 9 Other Resources
  • Security Requirements
    • 2 Description
    • 3 Terminology
    • 4 Security Management
    • 5 Cross-Cutting Requirements
    • 6 Standards
    • 7 Authorization Services
    • 8 Additional Security Modules
    • 9 Other Resources
  • GovStack UI/UX Guidelines
    • 1 Version History
    • 2 Description
    • 3 Service design good practice guidelines
      • 3.1 User-centred design
        • 3.1.1.1 Understand needs and requirements
        • 3.1.1.2 Involve others in the design process
        • 3.1.2.1 Test with users
        • 3.1.3.1 Share findings
        • 3.1.3.2 Monitor performance
          • 3.1.3.3 Set up analytics
      • 3.2 Accessibility and inclusion
        • 3.2.1.1 Test for accessibility
        • 3.2.2.1 Involve a diverse user group in the design
        • 3.2.2.2 Support multiple languages
        • 3.2.2.3 Foster a culture of inclusion
      • 3.3 Consistency
        • 3.3.1.1 Use simple language
        • 3.3.2.1 Implement a consistent style guide
        • 3.3.2.2 Use design patterns
        • 3.3.2.3 Use a frontend framework
        • 3.3.3.1 Interoperability
        • 3.3.3.2 Use integrations
        • 3.3.4.1 Work in the open
      • 3.4 Technology choices
        • 3.4.1.1 Choose the right level of security
        • 3.4.1.2 Design for privacy
        • 3.4.2.1 Optimise load times
        • 3.4.2.2 Account for connectivity issues
        • 3.4.3.1 Test across platforms
        • 3.4.3.2 Design cross-channel
    • 4 Design patterns
      • 4.1 Service patterns
      • 4.2 User flows
        • 4.2.1 Register
        • 4.2.2 Authenticate
        • 4.2.3 Asking users for feedback
        • 4.2.4 Find a service
        • 4.2.5 Check a users eligibility
        • 4.2.6 Make an application
      • 4.3 Page templates
        • 4.3.1 Feedback
        • 4.3.2 Perception survey
        • 4.3.3 Satisfaction
        • 4.3.4 Before you start
        • 4.3.5 Service sheet
        • 4.3.6 Asking users for consent
        • 4.3.7 Task list
        • 4.3.8 Asking users for information
        • 4.3.9 Check answers
        • 4.3.10 Outcome
    • 5 Use-case examples
    • 6 References
    • 7 Other Resources
  • Building Blocks
    • About Building Blocks
    • Cloud Infrastructure
    • Consent
    • Digital Registries
    • E-Marketplace
    • E-Signature
    • Geographic Information System (GIS)
    • Identity
    • Information Mediation
    • Messaging
    • Payments
    • Registration
    • Scheduler
    • Workflow
    • Wallet
  • Use Cases
    • Reference Use Cases
  • Public Administration Ecosystem Reference Architecture (PAERA)
    • PAERA
  • Tools
    • Sandbox
  • Release Notes
    • 23Q4
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  1. GovStack UI/UX Guidelines
  2. 3 Service design good practice guidelines
  3. 3.3 Consistency

3.3.1.1 Use simple language

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The notion that citizens expect governments to use formal language may not be entirely accurate. Using consistent, simple, and clear language is a core principle of user-centric design.

By adopting simple language:

  • You enhance accessibility - Not everyone has the same reading level. Using simpler language makes your content accessible to a broader audience, including those with learning disabilities or for whom English is a second language.

  • You improve clarity and understanding - Using complex or technical language can be a barrier to comprehension. Simpler language ensures all users can understand the information being communicated.

  • You save time - When citizens can quickly understand the information they're reading, it reduces the time spent on misinterpretations and questions, leading to a smoother user experience.

Research exercises like highlighter testing have shown that simple language is more effective for comprehension. In these tests, participants highlight parts of the text they find difficult to understand, revealing areas where simpler language could improve comprehension.

Following guidelines like the can assist in creating accessible and easy-to-understand content. Simplicity in language is a tool that enhances inclusivity and usability, reflecting a government that values its citizens' diverse capabilities and time.

Further reading: .

United Kingdom's government Content Design guidance
Testing for UX writers - know when your words are working