Turning a document into a comic: 4 steps

Abstract

Simple comics are an efficient way of communicating content for readers who have difficulties with written text. Images make content easier to understand for readers who struggle with a particular language or with reading in general. Comics are easy to browse and digest at a glance. In addition, comics can make content more attractive for readers: If we present something as a comic, our readers are simply more likely to read it in detail. Comics therefore also benefit readers who do not have linguistic or cognitive challenges. <br/>This article presents basic instructions for converting a text-only document into a comic. These instructions have been adapted from the Five Steps to Plain Language that are published on the website of the Center for Plain Language. The information design process of making a plain language document and making a “plain comic” are surprisingly similar.