Plain Language in Interactive Systems: A Systematic Mapping of Domains, Practices, and Challenges

Rodrigo dos Santos Oliveira; Luciana Cardoso de Castro Salgado; Claudia Cappelli

doi:10.5753/jis.2026.7741

Authors

Rodrigo dos Santos Oliveira Fluminense Federal University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0119-1529
Luciana Cardoso de Castro Salgado Fluminense Federal University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1207-6021
Claudia Cappelli Rio de Janeiro State University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1699-3492

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5753/jis.2026.7741

Keywords:

Plain Language, Interactive Systems, Systematic Literature Review, Research Challenges

Abstract

Context: Plain Language is a multidisciplinary technique and civic movement that aims to make it easier for users to find, understand, and use information, whether in documents, digital interfaces, or data visualizations. Its adoption has expanded in areas such as Government, Health, and Law, driven by legislation and public policies. In Computing, specifically in the area of Human-Computer Interaction, this technique presents itself as an important quality attribute in systems for inclusion, transparency, and digital accessibility. Objective: This study investigates how Plain Language has been applied in the design of interactive systems in HCI, identifying domains, objectives, methods, challenges, and other aspects reported in the literature. Method: We conducted a systematic mapping study following a rigorous protocol, encompassing data search, filtering, and extraction. We also followed a qualitative approach based on thematic analysis for coding and synthesizing the 18 selected studies. Results: The results reveal a predominance of studies in the health domain and a strong focus on comprehensibility, mainly applied during evaluation stages. Limited use of Plain Language was observed in early design phases and challenges in scalability and limited automation, insufficient user-centered and qualitative evaluations, and limited consideration of cultural factors. Conclusion: The results indicate that Plain Language is still applied in a limited way in HCI, pointing to opportunities for deeper theoretical integration, broader design support, and more robust methods for inclusive and efficient interactive systems.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

ABEPTIC (2022). Guia abeptic de uso de linguagem simples para apresentação de serviços públicos. [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

ABNT, A. B. d. N. T. (2024). Abnt nbr iso 24495-1:2024: Linguagem simples parte 1: Princípios e diretrizes norteadores. [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

Adler, M. (2012). The plain language movement. The Oxford Handbook of Language and Law. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199572120.013.0006.

August, T., Lo, K., Smith, N. A., and Reinecke, K. (2024). Know your audience: The benefits and pitfalls of generating plain language summaries beyond the" general" audience. In Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pages 1–26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642289.

Backowski, R., Hinnant, K., and LaValle, L. (2022). Writing library database descriptions in plain language. College & Undergraduate Libraries, 29(3-4):174–189. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10691316.2022.2149439.

Bona, J. P., Utecht, J., Kemp, A. S., Gan, J. M., Caballero, A., Trudeau, C. R., Brochhausen, M., and James, L. (2022). The informed consent form navigator: a tool for producing readable and compliant consent documents. Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, 7(1):e3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2022.507.

Brasil (2011). Lei nº 12.527 – lei de acesso à informação. [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

Brasil (2021). Lei nº 14.129, de 29 de março de 2021. [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

Brasil (2025). Política nacional de linguagem simples. [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

Brasil, G. d. B. (2024). Decreto no 12.069, de 21 de junho de 2024. [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2):77–101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa.

Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative research in sport, exercise and health, 11(4):589–597. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806.

Cappelli, C., Oliveira, R., and Nunes, V. (2023). Linguagem simples como pilar da transparência. Humanidades & Inovação, 10(9):32–45. [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

Carvalho, L. P., Cappelli, C., and Santoro, F. M. (2022). Bpmn pra geral: a framework to translate bpmn to a citizen language. Business Process Management Journal, 28(2):508–531. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-04-2020-0150.

Coutinho, V. d. O. G., Hazan, C., de Almeida Souza, M. R., and Freire, A. P. (2025). Practitioners' perceptions on human-centered design techniques in digital government development. In Conference on Digital Government Research, volume 1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59490/dgo.2025.1027.

da Cruz Pereira, G. and Darin, T. (2024). Aquele sobre linguagem simples: ou como isso também é ihc. In Simpósio Brasileiro sobre Fatores Humanos em Sistemas Computacionais (IHC), pages 5–6. SBC. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/ihc_estendido.2024.241566.

da Cunha Silva, A. L., Ferreira, S. B. L., de Sá, T. M., and Cappelli, C. (2024). Use plain language and unlock efficiency in automatic translation to libras by avatars. In Simpósio Brasileiro sobre Fatores Humanos em Sistemas Computacionais (IHC), pages 870–885. SBC. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3702038.3702111.

de Medeiros Santos, A. L. and Wagner, F. R. (2025). Grandes desafios da computação no brasil 2025-2035. pages 0–70, Porto Alegre: Sociedade Brasileira de Computacao (SBC). DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbc.17434.6.

de Oliveira, L. C., Amaral, M. A., Bim, S. A., Valença, G., Almeida, L. D. A., Salgado, L. C. d. C., Gasparini, I., and da Silva, C. B. R. (2024). Grandihc-br 2025-2035-gc3: Plurality and decoloniality in hci. In Proceedings of the XXIII Brazilian Symposium on Human Factors in Computing Systems, pages 1–19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3702038.3702056.

de Souza, C. S. (2005). The semiotic engineering of human-computer interaction. MIT press.

Dorfman, C. S., Williams, R. M., Kassan, E. C., Red, S. N., Dawson, D. L., Tuong, W., Parker, E. R., Ohene-Frempong, J., Davis, K. M., Krist, A. H., et al. (2010). The development of a web-and a print-based decision aid for prostate cancer screening. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 10(1):12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6947-10-12.

Fischer, H., Mont'Alvão, C., and dos Santos Rodrigues, E. (2019). O papel do texto na compreensibilidade de e-serviços. Ergodesign & HCI, 7(Especial):207–219. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22570/ergodesignhci.v7iEspecial.1275.

Giacomin, A. K. R., da Silveira, R. Z., Costa, L., de Lima Baldam, R., and Júnior, T. d. P. C. (2024). Plain language in public organizations: a systematic literature review. International Journal of Scientific Management and Tourism, 10(5):e1113–e1113. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55905/ijsmtv10n5-012.

Gibson, B., Butler, J., Schnock, K., Bates, D., and Classen, D. (2020). Design of a safety dashboard for patients. Patient Education and Counseling, 103(4):741–747. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2019.10.021.

Ginossar, T., Shah, S. F. A., West, A. J., Bentley, J. M., Caburnay, C. A., Kreuter, M. W., Kinney, A. Y., et al. (2017). Content, usability, and utilization of plain language in breast cancer mobile phone apps: a systematic analysis. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 5(3):e7073. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.7073.

Grene, M., Cleary, Y., and Marcus-Quinn, A. (2017). Use of plain-language guidelines to promote health literacy. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, 60(4):384–400. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TPC.2017.2761578.

Harley, L., Kline, K., Bell, C., Baranak, A., Michelson, S., Farmer, S., and Fain, B. (2016). Designing usable voting systems for voters with hidden barriers: A pilot study. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 32(2):103–118. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2015.1116759.

Hewett, T. T., Baecker, R., Card, S., Carey, T., Gasen, J., Mantei, M., Perlman, G., Strong, G., and Verplank, W. (1992). ACM SIGCHI curricula for human-computer interaction. ACM.

IPL (2026). What is plain language? [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

ISO (2025). Iso/cd 24495-4 - plain language part 4: Requirements for implementing the plain language principles in organizations. [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

Janiak, E., Rhodes, E., and Foster, A. M. (2013). Translating access into utilization: lessons from the design and evaluation of a health insurance web site to promote reproductive health care for young women in massachusetts. Contraception, 88(6):684–690. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2013.09.004.

Kitchenham, B. (2004). Procedures for performing systematic reviews. Keele, UK, Keele University, 33(2004):1–26.

Kulkarni, M. (2019). Digital accessibility: Challenges and opportunities. IIMB Management Review, 31(1):91–98. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iimb.2018.05.009.

Langford, A. T., Hawley, S. T., Stableford, S., Studts, J. L., and Byrne, M. M. (2020). Development of a plain language decision support tool for cancer clinical trials: blending health literacy, academic research, and minority patient perspectives. Journal of Cancer Education, 35(3):454–461. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-019-1482-5.

Lyu, Q., Tan, J., Zapadka, M. E., Ponnatapura, J., Niu, C., Myers, K. J., Wang, G., and Whitlow, C. T. (2023). Translating radiology reports into plain language using chatgpt and gpt-4 with prompt learning: results, limitations, and potential. Visual Computing for Industry, Biomedicine, and Art, 6(1):9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42492-023-00136-5.

Martinelli, S., Choma, J., Saad, J., and Zaina, L. (2023). Análise qualitativa em ihc: da codificação à criação de visualizações. In Minicursos do Simpósio Brasileiro sobre Fatores Humanos em Sistemas Computacionais (IHC 2023), pages 32–53. SBC. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbc.15504.9.2.

Martins, H. T., da Silva, A. R., and Cavalcanti, M. T. (2023). Linguagem simples: um movimento social por transparência, cidadania e acessibilidade. Cadernos do Desenvolvimento Fluminense, (25). DOI: https://doi.org/10.12957/cdf.2023.72869.

Martins, M. A. F. (2014). Prototipagem da experiência: uma nova atitude projetual no design. Livro dos Tutoriais do XIII Simpósio Brasileiro sobre Fatores Humanos em Sistemas Computacionais. Foz do Iguaçu: Sociedade Brasileira de Computação, pages 1–27.

Marx, J. M. and Miller, A. (2024). Evaluating the accessibility of mindfulness and meditation information online: A content analysis using the federal plain language guidelines. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, 9(2):325–334. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-023-00341-2.

Maybury, C., Jacob, M., Flanders, J. M., and Horowitz, A. M. (2021). Seeking community water fluoridation information on state health department websites. Plos one, 16(5):e0251139. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251139.

MGI (2024). Portaria n° 4.248, de 26 de junho de 2024. [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

Moreno, L., Alarcon, R., Segura-Bedmar, I., and Martínez, P. (2019). Lexical simplification approach to support the accessibility guidelines. In Proceedings of the XX International Conference on Human Computer Interaction, pages 1–4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3335595.3335651.

Nunes, V., Cappelli, C., Michel De Moraes, R., Oliveira, R., and Costa Da Silva, J. L. (2023). Method for evaluating the use of plain language in interfaces of public service portals. In Proceedings of the 24th Annual International Conference on Digital Government Research, pages 233–243. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3598469.3598560.

Oliveira, R. and Cappelli, C. (2024). Ux e linguagem simples na web: Práticas para um design de interação mais compreensível. In Tópicos Especiais em Sistemas de Informação: Minicursos SBSI 2024, pages 31–60. SBC. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbc.13880.6.2.

Oliveira, R., Cappelli, C., and Oliveira, J. (2023). Assessment of public information understanding using plain language and data visualization. In Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance, pages 228–234. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3614321.3614353.

Oliveira, R., De Castro Salgado, L. C., Seixas, F., and Cappelli, C. (2025). How is plain language applied in interactive systems design? a systematic mapping study. In IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, pages 260–264. Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-05008-3_49.

Oliveira, R., Melo, E., Salgado, L., and Cappelli, C. (2024). Comunicabilidade em saúde: O uso de práticas de linguagem simples e inspeção semiótica para avaliar o conecte sus. In Workshop de Computação Aplicada em Governo Eletrônico (WCGE), pages 62–73. SBC. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/wcge.2024.2375.

Paige, S. R., Alber, J. M., Stellefson, M. L., and Krieger, J. L. (2018). Missing the mark for patient engagement: mhealth literacy strategies and behavior change processes in smoking cessation apps. Patient education and counseling, 101(5):951–955. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2017.11.006.

Parmar, G., Howard, A. F., Noga, H., Tannock, L., Abdulai, A.-F., Allaire, C., Lett, S., Sutherland, J., de Arbina, E. L., Hummelshoj, L., et al. (2025). Pelvic pain & endometriosis: the development of a patient-centred e-health resource for those affected by endometriosis-associated dyspareunia. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 25(1):79. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-025-02907-x.

Petersen, K., Feldt, R., Mujtaba, S., and Mattsson, M. (2008). Systematic mapping studies in software engineering. In 12th international conference on evaluation and assessment in software engineering (EASE). BCS Learning & Development. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14236/ewic/EASE2008.8.

Petersen, K., Vakkalanka, S., and Kuzniarz, L. (2015). Guidelines for conducting systematic mapping studies in software engineering: An update. Information and software technology, 64:1–18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infsof.2015.03.007.

Pettersson, R. (2010). It depends. Institutet for infology.

PLAIN (2026). Plain language around the world. [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

Prates, R. O. and Barbosa, S. D. J. (2007). Introdução à teoria e prática da interação humano computador fundamentada na engenharia semiótica. Atualizações em informática, pages 263–326.

Rogers, Y., Sharp, H., and Preece, J. (2013). Design de interação. Bookman Editora.

Rossetti, A., Cadwell, P., and O'Brien, S. (2020). "the terms and conditions came back to bite": Plain language and online financial content for older adults. In International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, pages 699–711. Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-60149-2_53.

Rughani, G., Hanlon, P., Corcoran, N., and Mair, F. S. (2021). The readability of general practice websites: a cross-sectional analysis of all general practice websites in scotland. British Journal of General Practice. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2020.0820.

Sanches, E. C. P., Bueno, J., et al. (2022). Uso da linguagem simples como prática no design da informação e design inclusivo. Coletânea de estudos do PPGDesign/UFPR: novos horizontes da pesquisa em design. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5151/9786555502312-14.

Sastre, A., Iglesias, A., Morato, J., and Sanchez-Cuadrado, S. (2024). Is chatgpt able to generate texts that are easy to understand and read? In World Conference on Information Systems and Technologies, pages 138–147. Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-60221-4_14.

Schriver, K. A. (2017). Plain language in the us gains momentum: 1940–2015. Ieee transactions on professional communication, 60(4):343–383. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TPC.2017.2765118.

Silveira, V. I., Menezes, P. H., Silva, M. S., Carmo, F. A., and Lobato, F. M. (2024). Classificação de linguagem simples: uma abordagem baseada em leiturabilidade e legibilidade. In Workshop de Computação Aplicada em Governo Eletrônico (WCGE), pages 99–110. SBC. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/wcge.2024.2536.

Skaggs, D. (2017). My website reads at an eighth grade level: why plain language benefits your users (and you). Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning, 11(1-2):96–105. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1533290X.2016.1226581.

Souza, L. K. d. (2019). Pesquisa com análise qualitativa de dados: conhecendo a análise temática. Arquivos brasileiros de psicologia. Rio de Janeiro. Vol. 71, n. 2 (maio/ago. 2019), p. 51-67. [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

Stoll, M., Kerwer, M., Lieb, K., and Chasiotis, A. (2022). Plain language summaries: A systematic review of theory, guidelines and empirical research. Plos one, 17(6):e0268789. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0268789.

Summers, K., Chisnell, D., Davies, D., Alton, N., and McKeever, M. (2014). Making voting accessible: Designing digital ballot marking for people with low literacy and mild cognitive disabilities. In 2014 Electronic Voting Technology Workshop/Workshop on Trustworthy Elections (EVT/WOTE 14). [link], Accessed: 15 September 2026.

Vollenwyder, B., Schneider, A., Krueger, E., Brühlmann, F., Opwis, K., and Mekler, E. D. (2018). How to use plain and easy-to-read language for a positive user experience on websites. In International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs, pages 514–522. Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94277-3_80.

Zhou, X., Jin, Y., Zhang, H., Li, S., and Huang, X. (2016). A map of threats to validity of systematic literature reviews in software engineering. In 2016 23rd Asia-Pacific Software Engineering Conference (APSEC), pages 153–160. IEEE. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/APSEC.2016.031.