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Good UX writing is underrated
UX Writing is an essential skill in product design no matter what your role is.
UX Designers, UI Designers, Product Managers, UX Researchers,… we all need to have at least a basic understanding of micro-copy in UX.
But UX writing isn't always given the recognition it deserves.
Why? Because when it's done well, it's almost invisible.
The user doesn't notice it; they just experience a seamless interaction with a product or service.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into a comprehensive guide to UX writing and give you the steps needed to become a UX writer in 2023.
Without further ado, let’s go 👇
The Essence of UX Writing
First, let's paint a picture of what UX writing is.
Imagine you're using a brand-new app for the first time.
The in-app guidance you receive, the error messages that pop up, the cleverly crafted CTAs that lead you to take action.
They're all components of UX writing.
It's an art that subtly yet powerfully guides users within a digital environment.
Unlike traditional copywriting, UX writing is about creating user-centered, concise, and engaging copy that enhances the overall user experience.
The 3C's of UX Writing
UX writing is guided by three fundamental principles, often referred to as the "Three C's": Clarity, Conciseness, and Consistency.
Clarity
Clarity is about making your writing easy to understand.
The primary goal of a UX writer is to avoid confusion. For instance, instead of saying "Press the oblong icon," say, "Click the 'Play' button."
Conciseness
Conciseness is about brevity and being straight to the point.
In UX writing, less is more.
An excellent example is Google's error message, "An error occurred. Please try again." It's clear, concise, and doesn't include any unnecessary jargon.
Consistency
Consistency refers to maintaining a uniform style across all your UX content.
A user interface is not a place to showcase your diverse vocabulary.
If a function is called "Settings" in one part of the app, it shouldn't be referred to as "Preferences" elsewhere.
User-Centered Writing
In UX writing, you're not writing for yourself or to impress your peers, but for the user.
A good rule of thumb for UX writers is to use the language your audience uses.
If your target audience is teenagers, your copy should reflect their language - casual, with potentially some slang.
If you're writing for a B2B finance app, a more formal tone is appropriate.
The Power of Empathy in UX Writing
Understanding your users is crucial in UX writing.
This is where empathy comes into play.
By putting yourself in your user's shoes, you can predict their needs, questions, and potential points of frustration. This understanding should guide your UX writing.
For example:
If a user fails to log in multiple times, a simple "Login failed" message might not cut it.
An empathetic approach might offer a suggestion, such as: "Forgot your password? Reset it here."
Not only does this help resolve the user's immediate problem, but it also reassures them that they're being supported.
Collaborating with UX Designers
UX writing doesn't exist in a vacuum.
Collaboration with UX/UI designers is crucial to creating a coherent user experience.
Early involvement in the design process can result in more effective copy, as you'll have a deeper understanding of the user journey.
Practice Makes Perfect
Just like any other skill, UX writing requires practice.
Start by scrutinizing the apps and websites you use daily:
- What kind of language do they use?
- How does the copy make you feel?
- Is the tone consistent?
These observations will serve as your real-life lessons in UX writing.
Wrap Up: The Impact of Good UX Writing
In the end, effective UX writing can make the difference between a product users love and one they abandon.
It's not just about writing copy; it's about creating an experience that makes users feel understood and supported.
So here's to your new adventure in UX writing - may your words guide, inspire, and create remarkable user experiences! 🍻
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