Comprensibles

Comprensibles is a term used in Spanish-language discussions of communication, education, and media to refer to content that can be understood easily by a specified audience. Derived from the adjective comprensible, it denotes materials, explanations, or messages whose structure, vocabulary, and presentation are aligned with the reader’s or listener’s cognitive and linguistic background.

In education and science communication, comprensibles are prioritized to reduce cognitive load and increase retention. Features commonly associated with comprensibles include plain language, short sentences, concrete terms, explicit definitions, step-by-step explanations, examples rooted in everyday experience, and supportive visuals or multimedia.

Applications of the concept appear in textbooks for beginners, public-service information, regulatory or health communications, and user manuals designed for broad audiences. The idea also informs user interface design and information architecture, where content labeling and navigation aim to be comprensible for diverse users.

Evaluation and challenges: Determining what is comprensible depends on audience, context, and goals. Readability formulas, user testing, and adherence to plain-language guidelines are used to assess suitability. Critics warn against oversimplification, loss of nuance, or cultural bias. Accessibility considerations require adaptation for non-native speakers, dyslexic readers, or users with cognitive impairments.

See also: plain language, readability, cognitive load theory, instructional design, information design.