What is UX writing?

UX writing is the art of crafting the texts that appear throughout the interface of digital products (websites, mobile apps, etc.). Just as in the world of traditional publishing, this text is referred to as copy. But UX writing differs from copywriting in that it aims to guide the user through the interface in an intuitive manner.

As the apps and websites that we use become increasingly complex, the need for clear guidance within them also grows. But more than that, as these digital products become more a part of our daily lives, we as users seek out those that give us the most natural and fluid experience. These changes in the way we interact with technology have led to the creation of UX writing as a discipline in its own right.

Useful Tips on UX Writing

1. Eliminate Redundancy

Redundant text is of no use except that it creates noise and clutter on UI. Always try to review the text you write and eliminate any redundant terms.

2. Be Positive

Use positive language. Try to emphasize what user can achieve instead of what he can’t do.

3. Don’t Invent

Use standard words where they are applicable. If you try to use new terms for existing standards, the user will confuse.

4. Use Numerals

Use numbers instead of writing them in textual form as numeric value is easy to scan for human eyes.

5. Omit Needless Words

It is a misconception that using two or three similar words will convey the meaning in a better way. This is not correct. Write instructions and messages in a precised way.

6. Be Consistent

Using consistent language will help user better understand the meaning. Using separate terms for similar kind of action will frustrates the user.

7. Avoid ‘the user’, Use ‘you’

If you mention ‘the user’, it will be a less personal tone. Instead using first person will give a more personalized way to talk.

8. Use ‘I’

Use ‘I’ where user wants to tell the system what to do. This will give the user a feeling of personal interaction with the system.

9. Be User-Oriented

Make sure that your communication with user is unambiguous and clear. Use conventions that are easier to scan and understand.

10. Avoid All Caps

All Caps text is difficult to read and scan and it seems like shouting on user.

11. Don’t Over-Communicate

Use simple language to convey your message.

12. Use Short Words

Short and plain words are easy to scan and quick to understand.

13. Be Polite

Be polite and humble. Provide user a way to move out of a difficult situation gracefully.

14. Avoid Jargons

Use the terminology your users are comfortable with.

15. Avoid Technical Terms

Replace technical terms with appropriate user friendly terms.

16. Connect Similar Words

Use similar words where applicable so that user can connect them easily.

17. Avoid ‘lorem ipsum’

Lorem Ipsum is not a good way to write placeholder text. Instead use actual and simple words as placeholder on UI.

18. Do Research

Whenever you start writing for user interface, always do research of similar options, terms and messages. You cannot invent everything using your brain. It is better to use existing standards instead of thinking about new and unfamiliar ways.

Doing research will make your task much easier. Also, you user will happy to relate industry standards when he uses your design.

Conclusion

UX writing is one of the important and interesting topic of user experience design. This should be given equal importance as UI images, since it has a large impact on your users. An interface displaying difficult and weird language never attracts the user and it takes him no time to leave the product and never come back.