From the printing press to JMail: Making information more accessible through familiar interfaces

(Alternate title: how I’ve spent my weekend)

Just as the printing press democratized access to knowledge by making books widely available, modern UX principles remind us that information isn’t truly accessible until it’s easy to consume. Take the example of the Epstein files… it is a massive PDF that is TECHNICALLY available but from a usability standpoint it’s like handing someone a medieval manuscript. Better to support the broken leg of my coffee table than actually read.

Imagine if those same files were presented in a familiar interface. The barrier to entry would immediately drop offering searchable threads, familiar/intuitive navigation, and contextual cues that transform this overwhelming data into something approachable. You don’t need to imagine this one. It exists 🙌🏼

May I introduce you to JMail: the Jeffrey Epstein emails that were released by congress in the style of Gmail: 🌟 https://jmail.world 🌟

In the past 10 years, it is by far my favorite example of the effective use of the Laws of UX to improve accessibility:

• Jakob’s Law: Users prefer interfaces that feel familiar. Gmail is second nature for most, reducing cognitive load. I hear this constantly from my new Microsoft 365 customers resistant to migrate over.

• Law of Least Effort: People gravitate toward the path of least resistance. A Gmail-like UI beats scrolling through a 500-page PDF. I sure didn’t read it until now.

• Hick’s Law: Simplify choices. Breaking data into digestible “emails” with filters by contact name makes decision-making faster.

• Aesthetic-Usability Effect: A clean, familiar design increases perceived usability even if the underlying complexity remains.

When designing for transparency or public interest you need to think beyond “open data” and ask yourself whether it is usable and familiar. UX/UI is our modern printing press. Slow clap for Riley Walz and Luke Igel 👏🏻