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The case for jargon Link post

I like this piece on jargon by content designer, Amy Hupe, because it acknowledges the nuances of language and even clear language.

This is a fantastic paragraph:

Jargon always gives power to those who understand it, and takes power from those who don’t. It’s really important that we recognise this and think about who we’re empowering and disempowering when we use jargon.

Yes, in most cases, jargon should be avoided. But jargon can empower people and communities too. I think this is why it's important that we don't get all... preachy about clear language. There is never one way of approaching a piece of writing. And it's absolutely vital to understand who it's for.

Why you should avoid PDFs and what to do if you can't Link post

I'm sure you have either been told or find yourself telling other people that you should avoid PDFs at all costs. But can you always remember the reasons why that might be a good idea?

Enter this page in the NHS service manual, which says:

Creating a new PDF document is a last resort and you should avoid it unless there is a specific user need for it. You should always provide an HTML version too.

Not only can you use this page to bolster your no-PDFs argument, it also includes examples of when you might really need to use a PDF and, if so, how to do it in the best possible way.

The Inclusive Design Guide Link post

Lots of wonderful stuff to get your teeth into in The Inclusive Design Guide:

The Inclusive Design Guide can be applied to digital design as well as to the design of services, the built environment and physical products. It can be applied to processes like workshops, meetings, conferences, and even our daily interactions with one another. It can be used by anyone.

By the way, I found this via an excellent collection of accessible design resources put together by Chris Nasrawi.

Pastebot – a super copy and paste tool Link post

Do you do a lot of copy and pasting? Have you ever used a clipboard manager before? Well, I am here to tell you that your life is about to be changed. Pastebot is my app of choice and I use it constantly.

It does a few things, but the most important is it remembers more than one thing you copied, including images and any formatting if you want it.

Here is the blurb:

If copy and paste is a part of your workflow, Pastebot is an indispensable tool to improve your productivity. Quickly recall clippings that you have copied before and apply powerful text filters to format before pasting. Queue up multiple clippings to paste in sequence. Pastebot is always running and only a keyboard shortcut away to command copy & paste.

And if you do not use a Mac, Zapier has a list of what it reckons to be the 5 best clipboard managers, which covers various platforms.

South Tyneside Council's super-simple plain English guide Link post

Many local council's in the UK will now include a web page that explains their policy on clear language. This example from South Tyneside is deliciously concise and provides a near-perfect introduction to the world of plain English.

Accounts acing alt text on social media Link post

Adding alt text to an image is a way of describing its content and meaning in an alternative format. Enjoy these examples from Holly Tuke, who has gathered a collection of organisations and individuals doing alt text well on social media.

Here's a good introduction to alt text on GOV.UK.

The case for jargon Link post

Why you should avoid PDFs and what to do if you can't Link post

The Inclusive Design Guide Link post

Pastebot – a super copy and paste tool Link post

South Tyneside Council's super-simple plain English guide Link post

Accounts acing alt text on social media Link post

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