Curse Of Knowledge: A Hidden Bias That Makes Easy Read Harder Than You Think
When organizations create Easy Read documents, they often assume that simply simplifying the text—shorter sentences, clearer words, and added images—makes the information accessible. But time and time again, we see well-meaning attempts at simplification that still confuse people. Why?
The answer lies in a psychological phenomenon called the curse of knowledge, which makes writing truly accessible information far harder than it seems.
What is The Curse of Knowledge?
The curse of knowledge is a term psychologists use to describe what happens when someone who understands a subject well struggles to imagine what it’s like not knowing it. The more familiar you are with something, the harder it becomes to explain it in a way that makes sense to someone without prior knowledge. You unconsciously assume that others share your background knowledge, logical leaps, or even ways of thinking.
This happens constantly in Easy Read creation. A professional tasked with simplifying a document might remove jargon and shorten sentences, but they may still assume too much about what the reader already understands. Key context might be missing, abstract ideas might still be confusing, and the information flow may not match how a person with a cognitive disability processes information.
And here’s the catch: if the writer doesn't have lived experience of processing difficulties, they probably won’t even realize what they’re doing wrong.
At IC Works, we understand the curse of knowledge not just as an abstract psychological concept but as a real and crucial challenge that gets in the way of true accessibility. That’s exactly why our panel of experts with lived experience plays such an essential role in the process.
Why Co-Production is the Only Real Solution
At IC Works, we don’t just “simplify” documents and call it a day. We recognize that accessibility is about understanding, not just readability. That’s why we bring together a panel of experts with lived experience—people facing cognitive and language-based challenges daily.
These are not just passive test readers—they are co-producers. They work alongside our experienced facilitators and the client to ensure the final document is not just easy to read on paper but easy to understand in practice.
How Lived Experience Beats the Curse of Knowledge
A standard approach to Easy Read might result in something like this:
Before (standard simplified text)
If you need financial assistance, you can apply through our online portal. Eligibility is based on income thresholds.
After (better, but still cursed by knowledge)
If you need help with money, you can apply online. You’ll need to earn less than a certain amount to get help.
At first glance, the second version seems simpler. But our expert panel might point out that:
“Apply online” assumes the person knows how to do that and has access to the internet.
“Earn less than a certain amount” is vague—what amount? How do they check?
It still doesn't say where to go for help if they don't qualify.
A document tested by lived experience experts would result in a much clearer version:
Final version (genuinely accessible)
You can ask for help with your money. You need to use a website. If you do not have the internet, you can call this number: 0123 456 789. You can get help if you do not earn much
Why IC-Works Produces the Best Easy Read
Our process avoids the curse of knowledge because we never assume we know best. We work directly with people who have lived experience of cognitive and language-based challenges, ensuring the final product is tested, revised, and truly accessible.
If your organization wants Easy Read documents that actually work for the people they’re meant for, co-production is not optional—it’s essential. And at IC Works, we make it happen.
Want to learn more?
Get in touch, and let’s make accessibility truly easy.