UX Writing — 5 effective rules we follow at OneAssist
User — “Lovely app, easy and simple. I bought the product right away in a very few steps.”
UX Writer — “Thank you, we love you!”
The core objective of UX writing is to help users with decision-making by creating easy-to-understand and engaging communication. For the same, a UX writer crafts a copy in the form of buttons, menu labels, headings, sub headings, error messages, instructions, notes, help text.
So, what defines the ideal copy? While it is apt to say that there are no universal rules for writing UX copy, but there are definitely some guidelines to help craft better copy.
At OneAssist, we follow below UX copy practices to make user experience simple and better.
1. Consistent & clear
Inconsistency can easily confuse users. For example: At one step the copy says, “Add your address” and at another “Add your location”.
It’s better to avoid the mistake of using synonyms at different parts of the UI.
More importantly, when the button is consistent with the title, it drives more user action. So to drive user action, it’s better to compliment the button with the title and help user to the next step.
2. Concise & scannable
Increased distractions and limited time has made this pertinent that users scan and don’t read. It means highlight what’s important and remove what’s redundant to keep it concise!
Concise does not equal to limited or short, rather it equals to use few words to convey the meaning efficiently.
The above example shows how same meaning can be conveyed in lesser words and can be efficient at the same time.
Another plus is saving on precious and limited screen space when writing for mobile UI. Imagine the second option (Don’t) on a mobile screen 😑.
3. One step at a time
You don’t want your users to exit the app before they even start, right?
Consider giving them an easy way through your app. Too many options can overwhelm users.
Make the decision making simpler and enable users to take action and reach the next step. You don’t want them to get lost between multiple actions rather than perform a desired action.
4. Layer cake pattern
We all love a cake and its different layers; the creamy tempting top and the moist fillings till the last layer.
While writing UX copy, just like the layered cake, the top most layer should be attractive. That’s your heading. It should carry the core feature of your product.
As the user gets familiar, unveil more layer by layer for the whole experience to become more satisfying & filling. That’s your body copy consisting of description, button, microcopy and so on.
5. Test . Iterate . Repeat
Read your copy out loud. Does it really convey the meaning you had in mind while writing it? Is the tone right?
Now ask someone else to read it and learn what they understood by it. Test the subjectivity, remove the ambiguity.
Iterate and repeat! And while you do this, keep this checklist in mind:
• Consistent and Clear
• Concise and scannable
• One step at a time
• Layer cake pattern
Conclusion-
Every word used in your app is an conversation with your user. So make it effective.
Thank you for reading!
