From Content Strategy to Microcopy: A Reading List for UX Writers
As a UX writer, it’s important to continuously improve your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. Reading books is one of the best ways to do that, as it can provide a wealth of information, insights, and inspiration.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there are plenty of great books that can help you take your writing to the next level.
“The Elements of Content Strategy” by Erin Kissane
This book provides a comprehensive overview of content strategy, covering everything from defining your content goals to measuring success.
“Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability” by Steve Krug
A classic in the field of web usability, this book provides practical advice on how to design websites that are both effective and user-friendly.
“About Face 3: The Essentials of Interaction Design” by Alan Cooper, Robert Reimann, David Cronin, and Christopher Noessel
This book provides a comprehensive overview of interaction design, including the principles, processes, and techniques that are essential for creating effective user experiences.
“The UX Book: Process and Guidelines for Ensuring a Quality User Experience” by Rex Hartson and Pardha S. Pyla
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the UX design process, from research and planning to design and evaluation.
“Content Design” by Sarah Richards
This book provides a practical guide to content design, covering everything from understanding your audience to creating content that is both usable and accessible.
“The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman
This book provides a comprehensive overview of human-centered design, including the principles, processes, and techniques that are essential for creating effective user experiences.
“The Shape of Design” by Frank Chimero
This book provides a thought-provoking look at the role of design in our lives, exploring the ways in which design can be used to create meaningful and impactful experiences.
“Microcopy: The Complete Guide” by Kinneret Yifrah
This book provides a comprehensive guide to writing microcopy, including best practices, tips, and techniques for creating effective and engaging user interfaces.
“Words That Work: It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear” by Frank Luntz
This book provides a practical guide to effective communication, including the words and phrases that work best when it comes to persuading and motivating others.
“The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
This classic book provides a concise guide to clear and effective writing, covering everything from grammar and punctuation to style and tone.
“A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction” by Christopher Alexander
This book provides a comprehensive guide to designing spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, based on a set of universal patterns.
“Universal Principles of Design” by William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the universal principles of design, including the ways in which they can be applied to a variety of different fields.
So, to summarize
Whether you’re looking to improve your writing skills, deepen your understanding of UX design, or simply get inspired, these books are a great place to start. By reading and applying the principles and practices discussed in these books, you can elevate your skills and become a more effective and confident UX writer.
