Plain communication means ‘conveying information that is relevant to citizens in an easy, direct, transparent, simple and effective way through any of the different channels [...] and adapted to their particular needs’ (translated from Prodigioso Volcán).

In order for plain communication to be successful, using plain language is essential. According to the International Plain Language Federation: ‘A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information.’ These principles must be followed to ensure the right to understand, necessary for citizens to be able to exercise their other rights with regard to private organisations and public administrations.

Plain communication, therefore, has implications in a wide range of fields, some barely explored, others not yet systematised. Whether it is digital management with the different public administrations or the privacy or cookie policies of a social network, plain communication and the right to understand are crucial, for these are documents and/or processes that the recipient should easily understand: visual design, user interface, user experience, accessibility, usability, neuro-language and so on.

UCAM promotes research and transfer on plain communication and the right to understand through the ADPURE research group. A good example is the project ‘Analysis of the new energy bill for domestic consumers effective as of 1 June 2021’, financed by the UCAM In-House Research Promotion Programme. The main scientific and media results of this project can be accessed on this website.