I wholeheartedly agree with this ‘dumb idea’ – I believe that information should be available to everyone – there should be no barriers to that. If someone is learning english for the first time, wouldn’t it be easier to spell it out for them?

With a lot of these texts we’re supposed to read for CCC over the years, I’ve found it quite frustrating that these texts are saying things in 12 pages that you could read in 3 paragraphs. I don’t know if it’s a generational thing and my generation is lazy, but everyone I’ve talked to agrees with me. Why make such an interesting topic boring an inaccessible for certain groups of people who may not be so educated? Isn’t the idea of design that we should make things better and make things easier? I find Mr Keedy’s response pretty bland to be honest. I don’t think he’s accounting for the fact that a lot of people don’t have the means or are disadvantaged – with time, money, language barriers etc. I think it’s pretty short sighted.

I think the general population would rather read something clear and concise, if it says the same message. Why wouldn’t you? It saves you time and mental load and communicates your idea to people better. Otherwise what’s the point of language? If someone can’t understand you, what’s the point? His response is a great example of some gatekeeping BS in my opinion. I have a personal philosophy when it comes to design. If I make something, someone who’s 5 has to be able to use it, and someone who’s 90 has to be able to use it. There’s a popular term on the internet ‘ELI5’ – explain like I’m 5. I think that’s a perfect example of people trying to be on a level playing field when it comes to access of information and telling people to fuck off or get educated is a super tasteless response. I genuinely thought he would be backing this one up. Design is to make it easy!