Growing the industry: Our language

In the fast-paced world of digital technology, innovation often feels like a race, with new tools, platforms, and methodologies emerging at breakneck speed. As insiders, we thrive on the cutting-edge, but in our rush to stay ahead, we’ve developed a language that is increasingly inaccessible to those outside our industry. Acronyms, jargon, and technical terms may streamline communication among experts, but they also erect barriers that exclude many others—users, aspiring professionals, government officials, and even Members of Parliament. This linguistic exclusivity not only hinders broader understanding and participation in the digital space but also perpetuates the digital divide we are ostensibly trying to close.

We have created a language of exclusion

The digital technology sector is notorious for its use of acronyms and jargon. From "API" (Application Programming Interface) to "SaaS" (Software as a Service), and "DevOps" (Development and Operations), these terms are second nature to those of us in the field. However, for many, they are impenetrable. The frequent use of such language in meetings, documents, and public discourse creates a divide between those who speak the language and those who don’t.

Imagine what it might be like for an aspiring young person who dreams of entering the tech industry and how discouraged they could quickly get by the overwhelming and opaque language they encounter, feeling that the industry is too complex or exclusive for them.

Equally, even within our own industry, our reliance on jargon can create silos where communication between different teams or organisations can be hindered by using differing vocabularies. This not only affects collaboration but also the overall efficiency and innovation potential of organisations. I can’t help but think about how many acronym dictionaries I have created over the years just to understand the ones used by a given organisation.

What can we do to help ourselves?

To make the digital technology industry more accessible and inclusive, we need to all individually commit to changing our communication style. Here are some starter steps we can all take:

• Use Plain Language: Like the NZ public service have done we need to start adopting the plain english principles, use language that is accessible to a general audience.

• Avoid Acronyms: Reduce our use of acronyms, especially when introducing new concepts. Always provide explanations or definitions. I was told off by Minister Collins for use of acronyms recently - and she was right to do so.

• Use Analogies: Draw parallels between digital concepts and everyday experiences to make them more relatable. Take time to explain, don’t be impatient with folks who don’t “get it” first time.

• Encourage Feedback: Seek input from non-technical individuals to identify areas where communication can be improved, someone who can proof your documents or presentations before they are delivered.

Some examples (or womansplaining)

Let’s consider the concept of “cloud computing.” For those outside the industry, the term might conjure up images of literal clouds or seem like a vague, abstract concept. Instead of using the term without explanation, we could say, “Cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the internet instead of on your computer’s hard drive. It’s like using a service to save your files where you can get to them from any device.”

Another example is “DevOps.” Rather than assuming everyone knows it refers to a set of practices that automate the processes between software development and IT teams, we could explain, “DevOps is about bringing together software development and IT operations teams to work more efficiently and deliver better products faster.”

The language we use shapes the world we create

My personal aspiration is for digital technology to become the industry where everyone can belong. If we want a future where digital technology is accessible to everyone, we must first ensure that our language is not a barrier but a bridge. By making our industry’s language more inclusive, we not only open the doors to broader participation but also enrich our field with diverse perspectives and ideas.

It’s not just about changing the way we talk—it’s about changing the way we think, and in doing so, creating a truly inclusive digital future.