UX Writing: 17 Surprising Tips on Text Improving User Experience

All, Content Writing, Creativity, Marketing,

Published on: September 07, 2021

If you think you're a great writer, we are about to transform you into a fantastic one. Because creating a user experience is not an easy task. You are aware of this. There are mountains of information to compete with, and you must rapidly become a specialist on any given product. What if we told you there have been UX writing best practices and tips you can use to improve your writing process, make things easier, and create better content?

There is one. That is what we will discuss with you today.

UX writing is the practice of creating UI copy to guide users through a product and assist them in interacting with it. Button and menu labels, error messages, protection notes, terms of service, and any product usage instructions are all examples of UI copy.

The primary goal of UX writing is to resolve communication issues between users and digital products. In this article, I'll give you some pointers on how to write effective UX.

1) Why Should Creating UI Text Be An Essential Part Of The Design Process?

Too often, product developers consider UI text to be part of the product documentation stage.

“First, we will design a product, and then we will hire somebody to assist us in writing UI copy.” Such presumptions frequently cause significant harm because critical UI issues can go undetected until later phases of the development process. As a result, user interface text should be written earlier in the development process.

2) Tips for Writing User Interface Text

Composing the copy that is part of the UI design is an art.  While universal rules for writing UI text are nearly impossible and challenging to provide, some basic guidelines can help you build better UX.

3) Be Concise

Concise does not imply limited; instead, it means something more akin to efficient. Use as few words as possible while still conveying the intended message. When we write concisely, we ensure that every word on the screen has a purpose.

Read Also: 8 Amazing UI Web Design Lessons To Learn From Netflix

4) Long Blocks Of Text Should Be Avoided.

Users are not engrossed in the user interface when using a product but in their task. As a result, users scan rather than read UI text. Make it easier for them to inspect the text by writing it in brief, scannable blocks. The text should be broken up into shortened sentences and paragraphs. Keep the most important message at the top and then ruthlessly edit everything else.

We know that when people read on a screen, their eyes form an F shape. This is because they read the first and second lines, then begin scrolling down the page, only trying to catch the first or second word within each sentence. As a result, it's critical to keep your text not only brief but also frontloaded—that is, put all essential concepts first. By doing so, you will direct people's attention to essential words as they scan the page.

5) Avoid Using Double Negatives.

Double negatives boost cognitive load because they require users to spend additional time decrypting the message.

6) Begin With The Goal In Mind.

When describing an objective and the action required to achieve it, begin the sentence with the aim.

7) No Jargon

Users may not be aware of the technical jargon, so avoid using it. Instead, use common words that the users are likely to be more familiar with. Use words that more clearly define the system's state. For example, using "Subscription" rather than "Sign up" gives the user a complete image of their action and predicted feedback.

8) When Feasible, Use Specific Verbs.

Users perceive specific verbs (such as communicate or save) to be more relevant than generic ones.

Read Also: 12 Proven Tips to Increase Your Conversion Rate 2021

9) Use Call to Action

A call to action instructs the user about what to do. Therefore, using a CTA does not make you anxious or bossy. The opposite is true. A call to action encourages people to move to the next level toward their goal. It could be as easy as signing up for an account or making a purchase. But, instead, it reminds them of their next steps while removing obstacles and objections.

10) Easy-To-Understand And Straightforward Vocabulary Is Vital.

Assume you're talking about web pages with a group of Google algorithm scientists. It's safe to assume they'd know a thing or two about it, right? Imagine explaining that to a group of ten-year-olds. Both groups would necessitate a distinct language and structure.

But what if you could talk to both at the same time? Because it is both possible and much easier than you believe. You simply must keep the vocabulary simple and easy to understand. This means you must ignore technical jargon as often as possible since you reduce how well people will understand the copy overall. Everyone, from the layman to the Graduate student, will understand if you speak in simple terms.

11) Maintain Consistency in the Copy

Confusion is caused by inconsistency. One typical example of inconsistency is substituting a word in one portion of the UI with a synonym in another. For example, if you start calling the process of organizing something "Scheduling" in one piece of your UI, don't call it "Booking" in another part of your UI.

12) Leverage Success and Error Colors

Colors, letters and sentences, all have a deeper meaning. For instance, what would you think of if you've seen the color green while using an app? Most likely, you were successful or did something correctly, correct?

So, what about the color red? We don't know about you, but we immediately envision an error when we enter the incorrect email or password.

Read Also: What Is Content Writing? 9 Effective Tips to Write Engaging Content

13) Block Out Distractions

Please be truthful with me. For example, how often have you checked your phone, social networking sites, or email without receiving any notifications today? The more notifications you receive, the higher that number rises!

That is why another UX copywriting best practice is to identify what is distracting you and swat it away like a fly. You see, whether you realize it or not, your subconscious gathers on all of these minor details and reacts to them.

Even if you think you're not sidetracked by turning off your mobile or turning away from the television, your brain doesn't. It will consume mental RAM, reducing your ability to focus and pay attention to more critical tasks. As a result, you need the most peaceful and clear space possible.

Have you noticed the old sock in your cupboard? Throw it away, dummy!

Is your bed a shambles, and do you still need to sweep the floor? Then, do it, or at the very least make a serious commitment to do that at a later stage.

Otherwise, these minor tasks and diversions add up and deplete your mental energy, which is a limited resource.

14) Take A Break From Your Job.

As per UI/UX and Small Business Branding Services providing companies, you should go for a walk in the sunshine. Taking a sip of a hot cup of coffee or read a book. These are all activities that writers enjoy and should engage in as healthy breaks. Because, in reality, writing for hours and hours will not benefit you. It can be harmful.

15) Rather Than A Date, Utilize 'Today,' 'Yesterday,' Or 'Tomorrow.'

When referring to the day before the present, people would not use the date. Instead, they used the word 'yesterday.' The same logic would apply to user experience. Rather than a date, say 'today,' 'yesterday,' or 'tomorrow.' It precludes users from having to be using the calendar every time they would like to know when an event occurred. However, keep in mind that such terms could be perplexing or inaccurate if you don't account for your current location.

16) Recognize The Platform For Which You Are Designing.

Use language that is appropriate for the user's platform. For example, the terms we use to describe interactions with desktop apps do not always apply to mobile platforms. For instance, if you create an iPhone app, we couldn't use the word "click" to refer to the engaging UI element. Instead, we should say 'tap.'

17) Tone and Voice

Good UX writing not only improves the usability of interfaces but also fosters trust. However, to foster trust, the copy must represent the organization's voice. UX writers consider how well the language they use will refer to the overall voice of the product or brand. What tone is still most likely to elicit a response from their user?

Read Also: 10 Great Steps to Building a Small Business Website

Conclusion

You might be surprised at how much time and energy it takes to produce a fantastic user interface text. But believe u when we say it's worth it. Every word in your app is a component of a dialogue with your users. And it is your goal as a designer to make this conversation as efficiently as possible.

Author Bio

Mia is an experienced UI/UX designer. She has been using her innovative and software knowledge to create, construct and enhance UI/UX design. Moreover, Mia fully comprehends customer experience and is capable of building easily understandable websites. Her extensive experience working with Dallas SEO Services providers is a plus for our client.

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Abdullah Haroon

Abdullah is COO of Xtreme Technologies. He is Interested about Business, and Technology.