REGISTRO DOI: 10.69849/revistaft/ar10202508251045
Hernan Sandres
Abstract
This article analyzes the use of 3D characters, storytelling, and plain language as tools to humanize judicial communication and improve public engagement with legal institutions. By integrating visual narratives and digital avatars, complex legal concepts become more accessible, emotionally resonant, and culturally relevant. The study highlights how these strategies foster trust, comprehension, and participatory citizenship, bridging the gap between institutional processes and citizens’ understanding. The combination of interactive elements, cultural adaptation, and analytics ensures continuous improvement of communication strategies, positioning the judiciary as a more approachable and inclusive authority.
Keywords: 3D characters, storytelling, plain language, judicial communication, public engagement, digital avatars.
In an era of increasing complexity in judicial processes and a growing demand for transparency, the communication strategies of public institutions require transformation to foster accessibility and trust. One promising avenue involves the integration of 3D digital characters, narrative storytelling, and plain language into judicial communication. These elements, when combined, have the potential to humanize institutional messages, bridge the gap between legal complexity and public understanding, and encourage active citizen engagement.
The use of embodied conversational agents—computer-generated characters capable of simulating human communication—has been shown to improve the perceived accessibility of information. Studies demonstrate that animated agents with realistic nonverbal cues—like blinking, gazing, or hand gestures—can evoke anthropomorphic responses. As people project human-like qualities onto these characters, they become more engaging, trustworthy, and easier to follow (Cowell & Stanney, 2005; Mori et al., 2012). In judicial contexts, such as the Arizona Supreme Court’s initiative to employ AI-generated avatars to summarize legal decisions, these agents can deliver complex rulings in an approachable and visually engaging format, boosting transparency and public trust (Associated Press, 2024).
Moreover, anthropomorphism and human-like design elements strengthen social presence and satisfaction in interactions with avatars. People tend to perceive more human-like representations as more credible, engaging, and persuasive (Hoffner & Buchanan, 2005). When communication involves naturalistic behaviors—for example, subtle head movements mirroring real human dynamics—audiences report richer dialogue experiences and heightened presence (Ciechanowski et al., 2019). These findings highlight the critical role of visual design in ensuring that judicial communication feels approachable rather than intimidating.
At the heart of effective public justice outreach is storytelling. Narratives grounded in characters—whether real or fictional—create emotional resonance. In legal communication, story-driven strategies help demystify the law by framing issues through relatable experiences, making abstract legal concepts accessible and meaningful (Dahlstrom, 2014; Gubrium, 2009). Digital storytelling campaigns by civil rights organizations, for instance, deploy personal narratives to inform and mobilize communities around justice issues (Milstein, 2017).
The strategic use of plain language is equally critical. Research has consistently demonstrated that linguistic complexity can alienate audiences from civic processes (Kimble, 1994; Williams, 2010). By simplifying syntax, avoiding jargon, and aligning messages with the cognitive load of non-specialists, judicial institutions can ensure that their content is comprehensible to citizens of varied educational backgrounds. When paired with 3D characters, plain language facilitates both intellectual and emotional access to legal information, reinforcing trust and inclusivity.
Technological advances also mean that 3D character creation is becoming more democratized. Free web-based tools allow institutions to craft diverse, expressive digital personas that resonate with different demographics (Burdea & Coiffet, 2003; 3daily.ai, 2023). This personalization strengthens the parasocial relationships between citizens and institutional agents, enhancing message credibility and fostering an enduring sense of connection (Hoffner & Buchanan, 2005). By seeing themselves reflected in avatars, citizens experience a sense of representation that increases engagement with public services.
In addition, integrating interactive elements—such as branching storylines or question-driven dialogues—allows citizens to explore legal topics at their own pace, creating a sense of agency and empowerment. Studies on interactive digital narratives show that interactivity enhances retention and understanding of complex information (Döring et al., 2018). Applied to judicial communication, such approaches could help users navigate procedural knowledge, understand their rights, and participate more confidently in civic processes.
Another key dimension is cultural adaptation. Customizing 3D avatars and narratives to reflect local linguistic, social, and cultural contexts has been shown to increase trust and relatability (López & Stevens, 2019). For instance, avatars designed with culturally familiar gestures, accents, or dress can lower barriers to comprehension and improve citizen receptivity, particularly in diverse societies where standard legal messaging may otherwise feel alien.
Finally, combining 3D storytelling with analytics can allow judicial institutions to continuously improve communication strategies. By tracking user interactions, dwell time, and comprehension rates, agencies can identify which narrative approaches and avatar designs are most effective in reaching citizens (Ash et al., 2023). This data-driven feedback loop ensures that visual and narrative communication evolves responsively, maintaining relevance and accessibility as citizen needs change.
The flowchart illustrates the strategic process proposed in the article for humanizing judicial communication. It begins with the adoption of 3D characters as engaging digital representatives, followed by the incorporation of storytelling to create emotional resonance and contextualize legal concepts. This is complemented by the use of plain language, ensuring that messages are clear, accessible, and inclusive for diverse audiences. Together, these elements aim to increase transparency, trust, and comprehension, ultimately leading to enhanced public engagement with judicial institutions.
Source: Created by author.
In essence, the integration of 3D characters, narrative storytelling, and plain language in judicial communication cultivates a multidimensional strategy for humanizing the judiciary. By rendering abstract legal processes tangible, emotionally resonant, and culturally relevant, this approach strengthens transparency, promotes legal literacy, and fosters trust in the rule of law, positioning the judiciary as a relatable and participatory actor within democratic society.
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