A panel of non-experts

Karen Stanbridge: 07 December 2009 in About us

We are looking for volunteers to join the Simplification Panel. This is a group of people who will be invited to participate in the various research studies we will be doing. We are exploring exactly how much can be done to make complex documents straightforward and easy to understand. And the only sure way to know is by testing with typical users.

Trial simpler documents
We plan to test a range of layouts, structures, writing styles, font types and sizes, and many other document features to see which are the simplest to understand, and in which circumstances. What is the best way of alerting people to information with particularly significant consequences if ignored? How far can you simplify legal language so that it is still legal? We need help to answer these, and many other questions!

What sort of documents?
As well as taking part in research, we'd also ask you to look out for the good, the bad and the ugly - documents and websites that you have to use everyday to run your life. This could include utility bills, insurance details, instructions, credit card statements, and many more.

Who can join?
We need a wide range of people to join so that we can ensure our findings apply to as many people as possible. Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to apply. Panel members will receive a small payment for each study completed, and members can take part in as many or as few studies as they choose.

At the moment we're running our research in the Reading area, so to participate fully you will have to live close enough to travel here. But we'd welcome you to join the panel from further afield, to contribute documents and ideas, and to participate in possible future research.

Tell your friends
If you are interested and would like more information please email us at simplification@reading.ac.uk. Please tell your friends, family and colleagues about the panel if you think they might be interested.