3 points and question, Maitra and Goswami

1. American document design is created “in a predictable and linear fashion.” Americans rely on “clarity in message and simplicity in design,” which puts the responsibility of clarifying the point on the writer.
2. Japanese audiences are accustomed to ambiguity and rely on their familiarity with the context to interpret the message. Understanding the message is the responsibility of the audience and not the writer.
3. Japanese document designers use visuals to attract the audience, who in turn will find it attractive enough to learn more and read the document.

Question: Maitra and Goswami cite Horton, and recommend we use “visuals that are easily recognizable across cultures and those that are easy to follow in the context.” Is this the easy way out? Should we not become intimately familiar with our international clientele and create documents that cater to their understanding and culture?