We’re following ISO rules 24495
What are the measurable benefits of plain language?
Rewriting an administrative form can halve the number of errors. Rewriting a cancellation letter significantly reduces incoming calls. Clarifying instructions cuts complaints and accidents. These results aren’t abstract concepts: they’ve been measured, in public and private organisations, across multiple countries.
Regulated sectors such as banking and healthcare must deal with many new accessibility rules. Simpler customer documents help them to follow these rules. Clear communication is no longer just good practice. Regulators now give guidance and check if organisations communicate clearly.
Does plain language build trust?
An organisation that communicates clearly sends a signal. It tells its audience: we respect you, we’ve nothing to hide, we want you to understand. That’s a trust factor, and trust is an asset.
Consumer trust studies show this again and again: clear and open communication is one of the main reasons why people trust a brand or organisation.
Does document design improve confidence?
We are human: we love to be able to anticipate what we are going to find. We don’t like surprises. That’s why you feel secure when you know how to navigate a document or website. When you know right away where to find what they offer, what for, and for how much. A redesigned document allows you to find what you want right away.
Does plain language oversimplify?
‘Plain language oversimplifies’ is the most common misunderstanding. Plain language doesn’t mean writing for children, stripping out nuance, losing technical accuracy or reducing texts to slogans. It means choosing the right language level for the right reader, in the right context. A contract can be clear and still have legal precision. Financial communication can be accessible and accurate at the same time.
According to the international standard ISO 24495, plain language is language adapted to the reader’s needs and expectations. Our network offers exactly this.
Plain language and document simplification: what’s the difference?
The terms «plain language», «document simplification», «clear writing» or «content simplification» and “language level B1” broadly cover the same approach, with usage nuances across sectors and countries. What they share: putting the reader first, structuring information before formulating it, and testing that documents actually work for those who receive them, wherever suitable.
That’s what we do, in every European language where the network operates.