An OpenAI approach to simplifying documents
People learn best when new information connects to what they already know. When words and images feel familiar, understanding comes more easily. I designed an AI-powered tool that helps caretakers simplify documents so the people they support can grasp them quickly,
Role: User Research and Design (Lead)
Date: Feb - May 2025
Client: National Democratic Institute
Easy Read Generator is an AI-powered tool that helps caretakers transform complex documents into accessible Easy Read formats.
AI-powered document transformation
Quick controls to adjust sentence length
Culturally relevant text and images
Guided flows from upload to export
▮HEURISTIC EVALUATION
No automation or AI, purely instructional.
Static, non-interactive content.
Lacks AI integration for simplification or layout.
No template-based editing or export options.
▮RESEARCH AND PROBLEMS
After 8 interviews with caretakers, market analysis, and competitive analysis of similar tools, four key challenges emerged
Expensive services
Full functionality often locked behind paywalls.
Unclear guidance
Non-technical users struggled to navigate efficiently.
Culturally irrelevant AI outputs
ChatGPT-generated text and images sometimes didn’t reflect user needs.
Slow, complicated workflows
Multiple steps and unclear next actions frustrated users.
▮IDEATION
How can we make simplification effortless for caretakers on the go, while still staying culturally relevant?
Personas guided our design
We focused on caretakers juggling responsibilities with little technical background, ensuring turning a document into Easy Read was straightforward and speedy. Our priorities were AI support, layout clarity, and rapid, low-effort flows.
Designing journeys that feel effortless
We mapped task flows for core actions like uploading a document or applying cultural context, seeing the process through the caretaker’s eyes to make each step guided, easy, and satisfying.
Balancing access and affordability
Interviews revealed that users worried about extra costs, and the client wanted to prevent misuse while still supporting participation. We explored ways to keep document simplification open and effortless for everyone. Key focus areas included:
Navigation
Readability
Accessibility
▮SOLUTION
Instead of instructions, users now get features that do the work for them.
Starting with three simple choices
Paste, upload, or link text, then generate and save in a few steps. The Upload tab is the starting point, and navigation remains consistent whether users are logged in or not.
Customizing without the hassle
A “long/short” control adjusts sentence length. AI image outputs start off culturally representative, with side-menu options for styles and regional adaptations.
Keeping the flow clear
Every action gives instant feedback, so users know their edits are working. With labels like “Edit Image Prompt” and “View Document,” the path forward is always obvious.
Accessing without barriers: Donationware model
All features are fully accessible, with up to five document generations before account creation.
▮IMPACT
The Easy Read Generator makes simplifying complex documents intuitive for caretakers, combining a streamlined workflow, clear visual cues, and customizable options such as image style and regional adaptations.
Users can create culturally relevant drafts quickly and refine them easily, with an experience that feels accessible and effortless. Strong user response, with 93 percent willing to donate, shows the platform’s potential to be self sustaining and deliver long term impact for NDI.
93% supported donationware
model for its ease of use
92% of users immediately understood the tool’s purpose
4.0/5 usability score driven by speed and efficiency
Ready to turn your concepts into reality? Let’s work together.
Or email me hello@nguyentamn.com