Michael Chen
September 28, 2023
7 min read
In the world of user experience design, we often focus on visual elements, information architecture, and interaction patterns. However, the words we use throughout our interfaces—known as microcopy—play an equally crucial role in shaping the user experience. UX writing is the art and science of crafting these words to guide, inform, and delight users.
UX writing is the practice of creating the text that appears throughout digital interfaces. This includes button labels, error messages, form field instructions, menu items, tooltips, and other small pieces of text that guide users through their journey. Good UX writing is clear, concise, useful, and consistent with the product's voice and tone.
Microcopy might seem insignificant due to its brevity, but it has an outsized impact on the user experience:
The primary goal of UX writing is to communicate clearly. Users should immediately understand what you're telling them and what actions they can take. Avoid jargon, technical terms, and ambiguous language unless you're certain your audience will understand them.
Instead of:
"Your authentication credentials have expired. Please re-authenticate to continue."
Try:
"Your login has expired. Please sign in again to continue."
Users rarely read digital interfaces word-for-word—they scan. Keep your microcopy brief and to the point. Remove unnecessary words and focus on what users need to know.
Instead of:
"In order to proceed with your purchase, you will need to fill out all of the required fields that are marked with an asterisk symbol."
Try:
"Fill out all fields marked with * to complete your purchase."
Every piece of microcopy should serve a purpose. It should help users accomplish their goals, understand what's happening, or know what to do next. If it doesn't add value, consider removing it.
Use consistent terminology throughout your interface. If you call something a "project" in one place, don't call it a "workspace" elsewhere. Consistency helps users build mental models of how your product works.
Write as if you're having a conversation with your user. Use natural language, contractions, and an appropriate tone. Avoid sounding robotic or overly formal unless that aligns with your brand voice.
Buttons should clearly indicate what will happen when clicked. Use action verbs and be specific.
Instead of:
"Submit"
Try:
"Create Account" or "Send Message"
Error messages should explain what went wrong and how to fix it. Avoid blaming the user and focus on solutions.
Instead of:
"Error 404: Page not found"
Try:
"We couldn't find that page. Check the URL or return to the homepage."
Empty states are opportunities to guide users and explain what they can do. Don't just say "No items" – explain how to add items or why they might want to.
Confirmation messages should reassure users that their action was successful and explain what happens next if relevant.
Before writing, understand the user's context. What are they trying to accomplish? What do they already know? What might confuse them?
Generate several alternatives for important pieces of microcopy. This helps you explore different approaches and find the most effective wording.
Whenever possible, test your microcopy with real users. Observe whether they understand it and whether it helps them accomplish their goals.
Use feedback from users and stakeholders to refine your microcopy. UX writing, like all aspects of design, is an iterative process.
UX writing is a powerful tool for improving the user experience. By crafting clear, concise, and helpful microcopy, you can guide users through your interface, reduce friction, and even inject personality into your product. Remember that every word matters—choose them wisely.
As you develop your UX writing skills, pay attention to microcopy in the products you use daily. What works well? What confuses you? Learning from both good and bad examples will help you create more effective microcopy for your own products.
