The Art of UX Writing: Common Mistakes and How to Improve
UX writing is the art of crafting the text users see when they interact with a digital product. It's a crucial part of the user experience, helping guide users through websites and apps, making the complex seem simple. However, even seasoned writers can slip up. Let’s walk through some common mistakes in UX writing and learn how to polish our craft for clearer, more engaging digital experiences.
1. Overcomplicating Things
The core mistake many UX writers make is overcomplicating their language. Users come to your site or app with a goal, and anything that makes achieving that goal harder is a problem. This includes using jargon, long sentences, and big words when simpler ones will do.
How to Improve: Keep it simple. Before you write, ask yourself what the user needs to know, and then say just that. Use everyday language and aim for clarity and brevity.
2. Neglecting the Audience
Not knowing who you’re talking to is a big no-no. Different audiences have different needs, language preferences, and levels of expertise.
How to Improve: Do your homework. Research your audience, understand their pain points, and write as if you’re talking directly to them. Adjust your tone and language based on who they are, making your text as relatable and helpful as possible.
3. Lacking Consistency
Consistency in voice, terminology, and style helps build trust and makes the user feel secure. When your writing style or the terms you use chop and change, it can confuse users and make your product feel disjointed.
How to Improve: Develop and adhere to a style guide. This document should outline your brand’s voice, tone, and specific terms or phrases to use (or avoid). Make sure everyone who writes for your product has access to and follows this guide.
4. Ignoring Microcopy
Microcopy is the small yet mighty text that guides users through an experience, like the text on buttons, error messages, and menu items. Ignoring these tiny text elements, or treating them as an afterthought, is a mistake.
How to Improve: Give microcopy the attention it deserves. Each piece of microcopy is a chance to guide, help, or even delight the user. Think carefully about what each piece of text needs to communicate and spend time crafting these small, impactful messages.
5. Forgetting the Context
Every piece of UX writing does not exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a user’s journey, appearing at a specific moment for a specific reason. Ignoring the context in which your text appears can lead to missteps, like providing too much information too early, or not enough when it’s needed.
How to Improve: Map out the user’s journey and understand where your text fits into it. Try to anticipate what the user needs to know at each point and tailor your message accordingly.
6. Not Testing Your Copy
Assuming your first draft is perfect is a rookie mistake in any kind of writing, but it’s especially dangerous in UX writing. The only way to truly know if your text works for your users is to test it.
How to Improve: Use A/B testing, user feedback, and usability studies to see how real users respond to your copy. Be prepared to iterate based on what you learn. Remember, your goal is clear, effective communication, and sometimes that means going back to the drawing board.
Enhancing Your UX Writing Skills
Improving your UX writing is a continuous process, grounded in empathy, clarity, and a willingness to learn from your users. Here are a few final tips to up your game:
- Read a lot: Pay attention to UX writing you encounter in the digital world. Note what works and what doesn’t.
- Practice empathy: Always try to put yourself in your users’ shoes.
- Simplify, then simplify some more: Challenge yourself to make your writing as clear and concise as it can be.
- Seek feedback: Don’t work in a vacuum. Get input from others, especially from people who represent your target user.
UX writing is a powerful tool in creating enjoyable, efficient digital experiences. By avoiding common pitfalls and actively working to refine your approach, you can elevate your UX writing from good to great. Remember, at the heart of UX writing is the user. Keep them at the forefront of your mind, and you can’t go too far wrong.