UX writing as you know is the art of writing UI copy in such a manner that it guides the users on how to use the product and further interact with them. If you are still confused about UX writing then it includes the content on buttons, menu labels, error messages, security notes, terms and conditions, and any interactions that are necessary between the users and the digital product. The main role of UX Writing is to give the users an easy way to access the app or website by communicating with them shortly and crisply.
Today we at Puminati Digital will be talking about the 6 Rules of Effective UX Writing that are necessary for user engagement. Most often, developers think UX writing is for the second development phase. They think first they will design the product then they will hire a UX writer to write the text. This is not the right thinking as many issues can go unnoticed in the later stage. So, the best is to Write UI Texts side by side during the early process.
The professional UX writers work with a team of designers and developers who are responsible for crafting UI text. So, let us look at the 6 Rules of Effective UX Writing.
Be Concise and to the Point |Effective UX Writing
When writing a copy it is necessary to write short and to the point copy. When writing for websites and apps you have to be concise but it doesn’t mean limited. It should be efficient and easy to understand. Write a short sentence and do not use very heavy words. Every word that you use should have a meaning. Exclude all the unnecessary words. Here is an example below to which you can relate.
Don’t: You must log in before you can send a request.
Do: Log in to send a request
Avoid Long Block of Text
When a user is on digital media then he is not immersed in the UI texts. They just read it in one go. They just go through it so that they can move on to the next step. So the UI text you write should not be too lengthy. Give your users an interface that is very fast-paced be it through designing or writing. Always keep the most important text at first and edit all the other information in a short and precise way.
Begin with the objective
Always make it a point to show the objective at first. If a sentence describes an objective then make sure it is clear from the start. You must be thinking, are all of these really necessary? Definitely yes! Let us look at the example below to help make you understand.
Don’t: Tap on the button to see its properties
Do: To see the properties, tap the button
Make the copy consistent
Never make the copy inconsistent as it will create confusion among the users. For example, if you are using synonyms for words in different parts of the text then the whole UI copy would look inconsistent. Also, one more thing that you need to keep in mind is limiting the use of both the first and second person in the same phase.
Don’t: Change your picture in My Profile.
Do: Change your picture in Your Profile.
Avoid jargon
If you are writing a UI Copy then it should be simple and clear. Avoid using jargon words and technical terms that normal users won’t understand. Make use of familiar terms and phrases, especially in the error messages.
Don’t: System error (code #2234): An authentication error has occurred
Do: Sign-in error: You entered an incorrect password
Write in Active Voice and use Present Tense
Another thing that you need to understand is don’t use future tense. Always describe the action in the present tense. Also, limit the use of passive voice as it becomes a little boring for the readers. Let us know with the examples -
Limit the use of future tense-
Don’t: The photo has been downloaded
Do: Photo downloaded
Limit the use of Passive Voice-
Don’t: The Search button should be clicked when you are ready to search for an item.
Do: Click the Search button to search for an article.
Conclusion
So if you are interested in UX Writing you have to write in simple terms in a way that keeps the users engaged. Forget the heavy words and write as if you are helping your friend. So, these were the 6 Rules of Effective UX Writing that you need to keep in mind before making your copy stands out.
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