Residents have an easier time understanding what the City offers and what services are relevant to them if all digital and non-digital services use simple and plain language.
Here’s how to Communicate Simply
Review reading level of service-oriented prose, including content in languages other than English. Include results in the Mayor’s Management Report.
Test key service language with residents to ensure that it is clear and understandable.
Use audio, video, or graphics to describe services; do not rely exclusively on text. (City staff, check out this digital library of photos for your use.)
Ensure that all prose is machine-readable and machine-translatable, including documents in PDF format.
Assemble a task force of agency staff to conduct plain language workshops for their colleagues.
Establish a citywide photo-sharing resource to incorporate imagery into digital services.
Develop and expand citywide iconography and usage guidelines.