Have you ever struggled with whether to use “My profile” or “Your profile” when crafting UI copy? As a UX writer, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the use of person in UI copy. It’s a crucial element to consider when creating engaging and effective UI screens, but it can also be a bit tricky to get right. In this article, I’ll share my personal opinion on how to use first and second person in UI screens, as well as some exceptions to keep in mind. So, whether you’re a seasoned UX writer or just starting out, let’s dive in and explore the best practices for using person in UI screens.
First person: establishing a personal connection
When referring to the platform or app itself, it’s generally best to use first person. This helps create a sense of rapport between the user and the platform, making them feel more connected to the experience. Examples of this include:
- “Tell us more about yourself.”
- “We’re glad you’re here!”
- “Our team is here to help.”
- “About us”
Using first person in this way can help to humanize the platform and create a more welcoming environment for the user, making them feel like they are interacting with a friendly entity rather than a cold, impersonal system. It creates a sense of familiarity and encourages users to engage more actively.
Second person: putting the user at the center
Using second person references directly addresses the user, putting them at the center of the experience. It creates a sense of ownership and personalization. Phrases like “Your account,” “Your profile,” or “Enter your name” make users feel that they have control over their interactions and encourage a sense of investment.
In addition to personalization, second person references are crucial for conveying important information to users. Statements like “By continuing, you agree to the terms of service and privacy policy” emphasize the user’s responsibility and ensure transparency in consent. They feel directly addressed, which reduces ambiguity and increases trust.
When we bring a standardized approach to the second person in our style guides, and everyone in our team knows that “you” means the user, we cut out the confusion and create a seamless flow of communication. No more back-and-forth debates about pronouns!
Exceptions and contextual considerations
While the general rule is to use first person for the platform or app and second person for the user, there are exceptions based on the context. For instance, in frequently asked questions (FAQs), it’s more appropriate to use the first person to address the user’s query, such as “How do I change my profile photo?” This maintains consistency with the user’s expectations and ensures clarity.
Moreover, when presenting options or preferences, it’s acceptable to use first person to describe the available choices. For instance, during onboarding, when we ask questions like “Do you want us to guide you through our platform?” or “Which role best describes you?”, using phrases such as “Yes, I want some guidance” or “I’m a freelancer” as answers creates a comfortable and conversational tone. By allowing users to express their preferences in a personalized way, we establish a stronger connection with them, making them feel more at ease with our platform.
Conclusion
The use of person in UI screens plays a vital role in creating engaging and user-centric experiences. By employing first person references, we establish a personal connection, providing guidance and support. Second person references put the user at the center, emphasizing personalization and ownership. However, it’s essential to be mindful of contextual exceptions, using the appropriate person based on the situation.
As UX writers, our responsibility is to understand the user’s needs, preferences, and expectations. By harnessing the power of person in our UI writing, we can create interfaces that are not only informative and functional but also enjoyable and human-centered.
Happy writing!
