10 ways to improve your UI writing
Good UI writing helps users understand and navigate websites and apps easily and quickly. It’s like having clear signs on a road trip — it makes the journey smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
In this blog, we’re diving into the world of UI writing, breaking down ten essential strategies to make your digital platforms more user-friendly. From simplifying language to creating helpful error messages, we’ll show you how to make your website or app a breeze to use.
So, whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, get ready to level up your UI writing game and wow your users!
Key takeaways:
- Improve UI writing by ensuring clarity, consistency, and hierarchy in language and design.
- Craft error messages and button labels thoughtfully, employing user-centric language and concise wording.
- Utilize microcopy and visual hierarchy to enhance user understanding and engagement, resulting in an optimal user experience.
1. Make it Simple and Clear (talk like a friend)
Keep your language simple and to the point, ensuring users understand your message clearly. Avoid using complicated words or phrases that might make things confusing.
Think of it like talking to a friend — be straightforward and easy to understand. By using clear language, you’ll make your interface more accessible and user-friendly for everyone. Remember, clarity is key to a smooth and enjoyable user experience!
Example: Instead of saying “Proceed checkout,” which might be unclear to some users, you can write “Complete your purchase.”
2. Maintain consistency in tone
Consistency is like sticking to a familiar tune — it keeps users in sync with your interface. By maintaining a uniform tone, style, and language, you create a cohesive experience that feels seamless.
Think of it as following the same road signs throughout a journey — it helps users navigate smoothly without getting lost. Inconsistencies, like suddenly changing directions, can confuse users and lead to frustration. So, aim for consistency to build trust and keep users engaged from start to finish!
Example: If you’re using “Sign up” on one page, don’t switch to “Register” on another. Stick to one term to describe the same action consistently.
3. Organize Information Hierarchically
Hierarchy is like arranging items on shelves — it helps users find what they need easily. By organizing information logically, with key messages upfront, you guide users through your interface effortlessly.
Think of hierarchy as a roadmap guiding users through your content. By organizing information with clear headings and subheadings, users can easily navigate and find what they’re looking for. Ultimately, a well-structured hierarchy ensures users can quickly grasp the most important points, enhancing their overall experience.
Example: In a settings menu, use a larger font size or bold text for main categories like “Account Settings” and smaller text for subcategories like “Privacy Settings.”
4. Write in the Active Voice
Using active voice is like speaking directly to your users, making your UI more engaging and straightforward.
Active voice energizes your messaging, enhancing user understanding and interaction. So, aim to infuse your UI with active language to keep users engaged and focused on the action at hand.
Example: Instead of saying “Your request has been submitted,” use “You’ve successfully submitted your request.”
5. Craft informative and friendly error messages
Error messages are like friendly guides that help users navigate through issues. Rather than simply pointing out mistakes, they offer clear instructions on how to resolve them.
By providing actionable solutions, users are empowered to address errors effectively, fostering a smoother user experience and reducing frustration. Crafting informative and friendly error messages is essential for guiding users through challenges and maintaining a positive interaction with your interface.
Example: Instead of saying “Error: Invalid email address,” provide a suggestion like “Please enter a valid email address.”
6. Use clear and action-oriented labels for buttons
Button labels serve as signposts guiding users through actions within the interface. Clear and action-oriented labels communicate precisely what action the button will perform.
Avoiding generic labels ensures users understand the purpose of each button without confusion. By choosing descriptive labels, users can navigate the interface confidently, enhancing usability and user satisfaction.
Example: Instead of using “OK” or “Continue,” use specific labels like “Save Changes” or “Proceed to Payment.”
7. Pay attention to microcopy
Microcopy, those tiny snippets of text scattered throughout the interface, play a big role in shaping user experience.
From tooltips to button labels and form field placeholders, these subtle cues provide guidance and context for users. Paying attention to microcopy ensures that every word contributes to a smoother and more intuitive user journey.
By crafting these small but impactful messages thoughtfully, you can enhance usability and user satisfaction across the interface.
Example: Instead of using “Password,” clarify the requirement with microcopy like “Enter your password (minimum 8 characters).”
8. Frame UI text from the user’s perspective
User-centric language shifts the focus of UI text from the system to the user, aligning with their needs and goals.
By using “You” and “Your,” the interface becomes more personalized, enhancing the user experience. Framing text from the user’s perspective ensures that interactions feel tailored and intuitive, fostering a deeper connection with the interface.
Ultimately, user-centric language creates a more engaging and meaningful experience, driving satisfaction and loyalty.
Example: Instead of saying “Notes Created Successfully,” use “Your notes have been successfully created.”
9. Use Numerals and Capitalize Necessary Letters
Using numerals instead of words not only saves space but also enhances readability for users. The aim is to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, and numerals can significantly contribute to achieving this goal.
Avoid capitalizing every single letter, as it makes the text harder to read. Refrain from using all caps, except for logos or acronyms. Instead, opt for a more user-friendly approach, maintaining readability throughout the interface.
10. Don’t Mix Pronouns in the Same Sentence
Avoid using “you” and “your” alongside “me” and “my” in the same sentence to prevent confusion for readers. It’s best to avoid using them together when addressing the user, as it can disrupt clarity.
For instance, instead of saying,
Original: “Check your order history in My Account.”
Revised: “View order history in My Account.”
Here are some helpful tools:
Ensuring clear and polished UI writing is crucial in the design process.
- Hemingway Editor and Readable — Enhance readability for easier comprehension by your audience. (Hemingway Editor, Readable)
- Trust My Paper and Grab My Essay — Utilize online writing services when time is limited for content creation. (Trust My Paper and Grab My Essay)
- Focus Writer and Google Docs — Leverage word processors with editing and formatting features to streamline your writing process. (Focus Writer and Google Docs)
- Studicus and Grammarly — Ensure error-free text with proofreading tools, eliminating grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. (Studicus and Grammarly)
In wrapping up,
Improving your UI writing is like adding the perfect seasoning to your favorite dish — it enhances the overall experience!
By incorporating these ten friendly strategies, you’ll make navigating your digital platforms a breeze for your users.
Don’t forget to enlist the help of handy tools like Hemingway Editor and Grammarly to sprinkle some extra magic on your writing. With a touch of simplicity, clarity, and a user-first mindset, you’ll create an interface that users love to interact with, making their journey enjoyable from start to finish!
