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The Times of India
The Times of India
World
TOI World Desk

Quote of the day by Ho Chi Minh: 'Write in such a way that you can be understood by both the young and the old, by men as well as women' and why simple words have the power to change the world

In 1962, a team of structural engineers faced a serious problem at the newly built international terminal of an American airport. The signs guiding passengers to baggage claim, exits, and customs were filled with complicated official language. Tourists got lost, children became separated from their parents, and elderly travelers struggled to understand the technical words. The solution came when a graphic designer removed the unnecessary complexity, replacing long written instructions with simple universal symbols and clear language. Almost immediately, the confusion disappeared.

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