informalbased

Informalbased is a neologism encountered in online discourse to describe approaches, content, or communities that are grounded in informality as a fundamental principle. It signals a preference for accessibility, conversational tone, and peer-driven knowledge sharing, often in contrast to formalized or gatekept systems. Because it is not a standardized term, informalbased can encompass a range of practices rather than a single doctrine.

Origins and usage: The phrase appears across various online contexts in the 2010s and 2020s as a descriptive label rather than a formal theory. It is sometimes paired with modifiers such as informalbased learning or informalbased communication to indicate a focus on practical, user-friendly methods. The wordbased portion is typically interpreted as “grounded in” rather than the internet slang sense of “based,” though interpretations can vary by community.

Principles: Common elements include the use of plain language, flexible formats, and real-world examples; emphasis on collaboration, peer feedback, and iterative improvement; avoidance of unnecessary formality in structure, tone, and citation style; and prioritization of accessibility for a wide audience.

Applications: In education, informalbased approaches can inform open tutorials and community-driven learning resources. In software documentation and tech communities, they may favor example-driven guides and approachable language. In design and outreach, informalbased practices aim to lower barriers to participation and enhance inclusivity.

Reception and critique: As a relatively new and fluid label, informalbased can be ambiguous and may attract scrutiny regarding rigor, credibility, or consistency across contexts. Supporters value inclusivity and practicality, while critics warn that excessive informality could undermine standards in certain domains.

See also: plain language, informal learning, participatory design, open educational resources, community documentation.