Five Tips to (Greatly) Improve UI Copy

While we have already delved into the distinction between copywriting and UX writing, we have merely touched the surface of effectively communicating with our customers. However, this aspect is an integral part of the overall UI experience. In the ever-evolving landscape of UI design, where content is king, it is text that consistently holds sway.

With this in mind, our article today, curated by our dedicated development team, focuses on providing valuable insights and tips for crafting exceptional UI copy. We aim to help you leverage the power of words and create the most compelling and impactful textual elements for your user interface.

What is UX writing?

For clarity’s sake, UX (or user experience) writing is the process of crafting text for mobile, web or desktop interfaces. As the name implies, in addition to helping users interact with your software systems, this is done with the primary intention of vastly improving upon the user experience. In this way, unlike traditional copywriters, UX writers work with menus, buttons, captions, hints, and other items that are essential to your products.

How to structure text when creating UI content

In order to put together the best possible user experience, there are a few uncomplicated rules that every writer ought to bear in mind:

Be short & sweet

It was American editor William Zinsser who once stated that we should always examine every word that is put on paper, as we are bound to find a surprising number that “does not serve any purpose at all.” This is twice as important when dealing with user interfaces, as when making use of a software product, you should naturally be immersed in your own work — and never that of your software designers. For this reason, it is important to remain consciously conciseand attempt to write digestible, scannable sentences.

Be consistent

Because inconsistency will often lead to confusion, UX writers should also keep a standard for both naming conventions and numbers. For example, if one section is labelled as “Preferences” you should never call it “Settings” in another part of the system. As for numerals, if you have chosen to write them out (e.g. “five” instead of “5”), this of course is perfectly fine, so long as all numbers conform to the standard.

Be Simple

In UI copywriting, simplicity is paramount. By crafting concise and straightforward messages, you can enhance user understanding and engagement. Keep your language clear and concise, guiding users seamlessly through the interface and ensuring a positive user experience.

Go jargon-free

In order to attain both clarity and simplicity, the most practical thing writers can do is to spare users unfamiliar jargon. So instead of mentioning an “authentication error” followed by an entirely meaningless combination of numerals, try saying something such as “sign-error: Your password did not match our records”.

Use humour sparingly & sensibly

And finally, though some designers claim a sense of humour can at times be humanising for user interfaces, in the vast majority of cases, this is actually ill-advised. After all, not only can it lead to significant irritation, but to many users, it may also cheapen the overall experience. Furthermore, when taking a crack at humour, remember to also bear in mind different cultural sensitivities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, effectively communicating with customers is an integral part of the overall UI experience.

 Without a doubt, writing for user interfaces is as important as UI design itself.

By adhering to these 5 principles, you can create a seamless and engaging user experience through thoughtful and well-crafted UI copy, whether you’re working in-house or utilizing software outsourcing services. The expertise of a dedicated development team experienced in software outsourcing can further enhance the quality and effectiveness of your UI copy, helping you deliver exceptional products to your users.