UX writing

What is UX Writing?

Let's begin with the term UX. It is an acronym for user experience. This is the full spectrum of emotions consumers feel while using a certain digital product, such as an app, program, or website. Writing for user experience (UX) involves producing content that people may run into when using a particular product. It is said that writing for user experiences is like designing with words.

What does a UX writer do?

A UX Writer is a professional that specializes in writing texts that are helpful to readers. These texts should guide them through a procedure as smoothly and intuitively as possible so that he can finish a task (such as filling out a form on a page). Microcopy (small content like instructions, error warnings, content on keys, and tooltips) and longer texts that are displayed on the website are both created by UX Writers. The UX Writer must collaborate with the full design team, including developers, UX designers, UX researchers, etc. A skilled UX writer comprehends the psychological aspects of using digital products in addition to the language.

UX writing and content marketing

Do content writing and user experience writing overlap? No, a UX writer's job is distinct from a copywriter's or content writer's. What distinguishes these professions? Copywriters produce written content for both current and prospective clients. On the other hand, UX writers create content for customers of a specific good or service. The optimum user experience for users is their primary objective.

Copywriters and UX Writers join the project at different stages. To promote the finished product to the intended audience, the former writes about it. On the other hand, UX writers are involved throughout the full product design process from the beginning.

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Why UX Writing is so important

The demand for UX writers is rising  as technology becomes more pervasive in all aspects of our life. The text is not an additional stage or optional part of the product's creation. On the contrary, it might significantly affect how well users are catered to. For instance, if an online store's order form copy has obvious grammatical errors or unclear instructions, the customer filling it out may potentially abandon the basket and choose to purchase from a rival.

10 most important UX rules

Design is all about communication. This also applies to UX Writing. To ensure that the text runs as smoothly as possible, the texts should comply with a number of important principles. Here they are:

1. Focus on the user’s needs

UX writers create for users. The target audience should be thoroughly researched before the information is prepared. Additionally, the copy cannot advertise the product; rather, it should explain how the product can benefit the user and what problems it resolves.

2. Usefulness

UX texts are texts that are helpful to the user. This indicates that they are filled with knowledge that can be used to carry out a task as quickly as possible. For the design of forms or instructions, the readability of the text is crucial. Remember that internet users are impatient and desire information delivery as soon as possible. If you don't provide them this, they might just stop using the app or website.

3. Brevity

Only 20–28% of the words on the website are read. Furthermore, reading online takes 25% longer than reading printed materials. As a result, when creating the text for the page, bear this in mind. The employment of obtrusive words, embellishments, or terminology demonstrates conciseness. It is generally advisable to read the text aloud numerous times while considering what is truly crucial and what can be cut without changing the copy's meaning.

4. Consistency

Consistency entails addressing a crucial textual issue. Additionally, each sentence should make sense and relate to the one before it. Consistency in style is also important; if you pick informal, avoid using more formal language. Keep in mind that the verb tenses and the use of the corresponding pronouns should be conventional.

5. Legibility

The user should be able to understand the text's subject matter right away, and the copy may not be very challenging. Avoid using technical vocabulary and lengthy, convoluted sentences. Make a sensible, straightforward text structure. The user experience is improved when the message is clearer. Forget long blocks of text – they are simply unreadable for online readers. Split copy into paragraphs, use bold text, etc.

6. Use simple language

The reader won't perceive your brand as professional if the material on your website or in the manual uses complicated, rarely used words or technical jargon. Quite the opposite. One of the most crucial jobs of the UX Writer is to strive for a vocabulary that is as straightforward as possible (not to be confused with slang or colloquial language).

7. Use of the reverse pyramid style

Both news journalists and UX writers can benefit from using this rule. The grouping of the information from most vital to least significant is the key point. In this manner, the reader who does not read the entire text is nonetheless provided with the information he requires.

8. Consistency with the brand image

UX writings must reflect the voice of the brand. If not, users will be contacted by a law firm, a blockchain startup, or a Gen Z apparel company. Even for "unimportant" formats like the cookie message, the UX writer should always write in accordance with the tone of voice (for example, formal vs. informal).

9. Compatibility with the specific features of the platform

Consider the media the user will use when dealing with a certain product. The copy on a button designed for a website that is displayed on PCs and for a smartphone with a touch screen will be designed differently by a UX writer ("click" vs "touch").

10. Creativity

UX writers are free to be imaginative and hilarious if the brand's tone of voice permits it. A user exposed to normal, boring messaging will most definitely pay attention to unusual or hilarious microcopy sooner.

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UX Writing and your business

UX Writing has the potential to significantly improve the experience for consumers that use your product or website visitors. Wheather you're looking for a an inspiring UX Writing, or just good UX or UI (User Interface) in general, HI Experts are always willing to help you.