What We Do

Plain Language

Because we believe that clear communication is a right we all have, we incorporate plain language in all of our work. We’re experts at crafting clear communication products. Using fewer words and compelling visuals, we organize information so that consumers understand the key message and can act upon it. We frequently facilitate workgroups through the difficult work of simplifying complex information and presenting it to the public.

Testing

We don’t guess at what works in a communication product; we test it. We use one-on-one cognitive interviews to delve deeply into how users engage documents, and we use focus groups to get a higher-level view. We also conduct large-scale quantitative testing to demonstrate whether documents are achieving their targeted outcomes.

Training

Plain language saves organizations time and money. When your customers understand your documents, they know what to do the first time – without costly follow-up and rework by your staff. We offer training in all aspects of plain language: how to write documents (briefing papers, letters, regulations, forms); how to design documents; and, how to test documents.

Disclosures

Language can clarify or obscure. We analyze communication products (documents, web sites, etc.) and provide a fresh, research-based perspective on how consumers will use them. We have developed disclosures for numerous federal agencies and, because we know government requirements so well, we help business develop disclosures that hit the mark.