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A slightly dense page, this one. But the idea of information design as a layered conversation is at the heart of my approach.
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A slightly dense page, this one. But the idea of information design as a layered conversation is at the heart of my approach.
The three-layer model describes three kinds of relationship between readers, texts and writers.
The Action layer is at the surface and is entirely about the reader and their needs: the title and graphics help engage them, and headings allow them to skim read and navigate. It might also highlight important information such as warnings they would otherwise miss.
The core layer is Explanation. Here both sides meet in conversation. The writer anticipates the reader’s state of knowledge and motivation, and leads them through the topic with explanations that are clear, relevant and engaging. They can use layout to show the topic structure, and other media such as diagrams or infographics. Explainers need to understand framing, schemas, world knowledge, turn-taking and the cooperative principle with its four maxims of quantity, quality, relevance and clarity. In other words, how to create a text that the reader can have a conversation with, and bring their questions to.
The reader actively engages with the explanation, and formulates questions they hope will be answered. They do cognitive work: modifying their existing schemas, making choices, learning procedures, forming opinions. The reader needs to be strategic, using metacognition to help them have a conversation within the text.
The Reference layer is entirely about the writer: it is everything they need to say, without regard to what particular readers want to know – an explicit text, perhaps. It may not even be immediately visible to the reader but it does need to be well-organised and usable.
The model has its origins in legal information design where the content owner may be a lawyer who feels their precise and complex legally-framed text is essential. The three-layer model acknowledges that there’s a place for that.
Robert Waller (2020) Contract design for humans: preventing cognitive accidents, Technical paper 16, The Simplification Centre.
Robert Waller (2022) ‘Designing contracts for human readers’ in Marcelo Corrales, Helena Haapio and Mark Fenwick (eds), Research Handbook on Contract Design, Edward Elgar Publishing.