In 1967, the Civil Service Centre for Administrative Studies published a paper proposing that regulations could be simplified if their content were presented as flowcharts, decision trees and algorithms. (An algorithm is an orderly sequence of instructions for solving a problem.) Half a century later, many lawyers have yet to try it.
Rob Waller, information designer, longstanding Clarity member and director of the Simplification Centre, regularly runs “Hack Days”. Participants from various backgrounds together analyse a complex document and experiment with alternative ways to display the contents. On 3 February, Rob will give us a taste of this experience, guiding a Clarity meeting through a mini-hack. There is no charge, and non-members are welcome to try their first meeting if space allows.
For more about Clarity, the international association for plain language in the law, see its website, www.clarity-international.org. My work for Clarity is voluntary and unpaid, and our speakers contribute on the same basis.
For more notice of Clarity meetings, why not become a member? The 2014 subscription is only $35, which gives you the journal, early notice of meetings, and a reduced price for the conference in Belgium this November.
