10 Secrets of Top UX Writers Debunked: The Truth Behind What Works and What Doesn’t

Over the past few years, UX writing has become a buzzword in the tech industry. It’s no surprise that there is a lot of advice out there on what makes a great UX writer. However, not all of this advice is grounded in reality.

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at ten of the most popular “secrets” of top UX writers and see if they hold up to scrutiny.

The world of UX writing is full of myths and misconceptions. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and believe everything you read, but the truth is that not all of the advice out there is based on sound principles. We’re going to take a look at ten popular “secrets” of top UX writers and see if they’re actually worth following.

The Importance of Being Consistent: Debunked

One of the most commonly touted secrets of top UX writers is the importance of consistency. The idea is that a consistent writing style and tone will create a better user experience. While this may seem like a good idea in theory, in practice, it’s not always the case. In fact, being too consistent can lead to boring and predictable writing that fails to engage the user.

One of the best examples of this is the dreaded “form error message.” Nearly every website has one, and they all sound the same. “Please enter a valid email address.” “Please enter a password.” These messages are so consistent that they’ve become clichéd and ineffective. Instead of following the herd, top UX writers understand that a little bit of creativity can go a long way.

Long Copy is Dead: The Rise of Microcopy

Another popular belief in the world of UX writing is that long copy is dead. The idea is that users have short attention spans and won’t bother reading anything longer than a few sentences. But this just isn’t true. In fact, some of the best UX writing out there is longer and more detailed.

One of the best examples of this is the app “Headspace.” Headspace’s onboarding process is a great example of how long copy can be effective in UX writing. The app takes users through a series of screens that explain the benefits of meditation and how the app works. It’s a long process, but users are more likely to stick around because they understand the value of what they’re getting.

Copywriting vs UX Writing: Is There a Difference?

Another common myth in the world of UX writing is that it’s different from copywriting. The idea is that UX writing is all about usability and functionality while copywriting is all about persuasion and selling. But this just isn’t true. The best UX writing is both usable and persuasive.

One of the best examples of this is the website “Basecamp.” Basecamp is a project management tool that has been around for over a decade. Their UX writing is both usable and persuasive. It’s straightforward and to the point, but it also does an excellent job of selling the product. This is because Basecamp understands that the best UX writing is a combination of functionality and persuasion.

The Power of Voice and Tone: Fact or Fiction?

One of the most controversial secrets of top UX writers is the importance of voice and tone. The idea is that a strong voice and tone will create a better user experience. But this just isn’t always the case. A strong voice and tone can sometimes detract from the user experience if it’s not used appropriately.

One example of this is a fitness app that tries to be too friendly and conversational in its language. The app ends up sounding like a drill sergeant, which can be off-putting to users who are looking for a more relaxed and supportive experience.

On the other hand, a website or app that takes itself too seriously can also have the same effect. The language can become dry and uninviting, leading to a negative user experience.

The Benefits of Using Plain Language: Debunked

Another common belief in UX writing is that plain language is always the best way to go. The idea is that users will understand the language better if it’s simple and straightforward. But this isn’t always the case. In fact, sometimes a more complex language can actually enhance the user experience.

One example of this is a financial app that uses financial jargon to describe its features and benefits. While this may seem confusing at first, users who are familiar with financial language appreciate the precision and accuracy that the app provides. On the other hand, if the app were to use simpler language, the information may not be as accurate or helpful.

The Benefits of Storytelling: Fact or Fiction?

Finally, one of the most popular secrets of top UX writers is the power of storytelling. The idea is that using storytelling in UX writing can make the experience more engaging and memorable. And while this is true to some extent, it’s also important to remember that not every UX writing situation calls for a story.

One example of this is an e-commerce website that tries to tell a story about its products. The problem is that the story becomes too convoluted and takes away from the user’s ability to find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. In this case, a straightforward and functional approach to UX writing would be more effective.

The Importance of Context: Overlooked or Overrated?

Another key aspect of UX writing that is often discussed is the importance of context. The idea is that the context in which the language is used can greatly impact the user experience. While this is true, it’s also important to recognize that context can be overrated at times.

One example of this is a food delivery app that uses language and visuals to evoke a sense of urgency. The app may try to create a sense of scarcity by using phrases like “limited time only” or “only a few left.” While this can be effective in some cases, it can also backfire if users feel pressured or manipulated.

On the other hand, a different food delivery app may use a more relaxed and conversational tone to create a sense of community and connection. The app may use phrases like “let’s get cooking” or “dinner is on its way.” This approach can be more effective in creating a positive user experience for those who are looking for a less stressful and more enjoyable food delivery experience.

The bottom line is that context is important, but it’s also important to consider the potential consequences of the language and visuals you use. It’s a delicate balance that requires careful consideration and experimentation.

The Art of Balancing Human Empathy and Technical Efficiency

Finally, a key challenge for UX writers is to find the right balance between human empathy and technical efficiency. On one hand, you have the goal of creating a user experience that is intuitive, engaging, and emotionally resonant. On the other hand, you have the need to ensure that the user experience is technically efficient, easy to navigate, and free of errors and frustration.

As a contrarian, I would argue that the best UX writing strikes a balance between human empathy and technical efficiency. Writing that is too focused on technical efficiency can be dry and unengaging, while writing that is too focused on human empathy can be confusing and hard to use. By finding the right balance, you can create writing that is both effective and appealing.

One way to achieve this balance is to think about the needs and motivations of your target audience. What do they want to achieve with your product or service? What are their pain points and challenges? By understanding these needs and motivations, you can create writing that is both technically efficient and emotionally resonant.

UX writing is all about finding the right balance between human empathy and technical efficiency. By combining these two elements, you can create writing that is both effective and appealing, and that meets the needs of your target audience.

Simplicity vs. Creativity: Striking the Right Balance

One of the biggest debates in UX writing is the tension between simplicity and creativity. On one hand, you have proponents of simplicity who argue that writing should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. On the other hand, you have proponents of creativity who argue that writing should be bold, distinctive, and memorable.

As a contrarian, I would argue that the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Writing should be simple enough to be easily understood, but also creative enough to stand out and engage the user. Striking the right balance is crucial for creating a positive user experience.

One example of this balance is a travel app that uses simple language to describe the different travel options and their benefits, but also uses creative visuals and animations to help users visualize the experience. The result is a user experience that is both easy to understand and visually appealing.

The key to striking the right balance between simplicity and creativity is to understand your audience and what they value most. This may require experimenting with different approaches and finding what works best for your specific audience.

The Importance of Testing: Trusting the Data or Following Your Instincts?

Finally, there is the question of how much weight to give to testing and data in UX writing. On one hand, you have proponents who argue that writing should be based on data and user research and that this is the best way to ensure a positive user experience. On the other hand, you have proponents who argue that writing should be based on instincts and intuition and that this is the best way to create something that is truly distinctive and memorable.

As a contrarian, I would argue that both data and instincts have their place in UX writing. Data and testing can provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t and can help to identify any potential obstacles to a positive user experience. However, instincts and intuition can also play an important role in creating something that is truly unique and memorable.

The key is to strike the right balance between data and instincts. Writing that is based solely on data can be dry and uninspired, while writing that is based solely on instincts can be too risky and unpredictable. By using a combination of both data and instincts, you can create writing that is both effective and memorable.

The bottom line is that UX writing is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and there is no single “right” way to do it. The key is to understand the different approaches, understand your audience, and find what works best for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of UX writing is full of myths and misconceptions. While some of the popular “secrets” of top UX writers hold true, others just don’t stand up to scrutiny. It’s important to be critical of the advice you receive and to understand that what works for one website or app may not work for another. The best approach is to understand the principles of UX writing, and then experiment and find what works best for your particular situation.

The most important thing is to keep the user’s experience at the forefront of all your writing decisions. Whether you’re using a more conversational tone, plain language, or storytelling, make sure it adds value to the user’s experience and helps them achieve their goals.

With over 15 years of experience as a copywriter, I challenge you to question the conventional wisdom of UX writing. Don’t be afraid to break the mold and try something different. Your unique voice and approach could lead to a more engaging and effective user experience.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules in UX writing. Embrace the art of experimentation and keep an open mind. You never know what secrets you might uncover.