Mastering UX writing: The key to a seamless user experience
On the interface of a digital product, every word matters. That’s where UX writing comes in. It’s the intersection of language and design and the key to creating intuitive, engaging, and user-centric digital experiences.
UX writing
Craft compelling experiences with the right words
Most users don’t pay much attention to the words on a user interface. They just use apps and websites intuitively – and that’s how it should be! But a smooth experience that doesn’t require a lot of reading effort doesn’t just happen. It’s because someone else has already put effort into writing and that someone is the UX Writer.
UX writing, also known as microcopy, is the art of crafting clear, concise, and effective language within digital interfaces to enhance usability and improve user engagement. From button labels and error messages to onboarding flows and interactive prompts, UX writing focuses on delivering meaningful content that guides users and communicates the brand's voice and personality.
Well-crafted microcopy unlocks the potential of your digital interface. Here are some examples of how.
1
Clarity and guidance
Well-crafted UX writing provides clear instructions and guidance, helping users navigate digital interfaces with confidence and ease.
2
Consistent brand voice
Incorporating the brand's tone and personality into the interface copy ensures consistency across all touchpoints, reinforcing brand identity and building trust with users.
3
Enhanced usability
Thoughtful UX writing reduces friction and confusion, improving the overall usability of digital products and increasing user satisfaction.
4
Increased engagement
Engaging and empathetic language captures users' attention and encourages interaction, fostering deeper engagement and driving desired actions.
5
Error prevention
Effective error messages and alerts help prevent user frustration and confusion, guiding users toward successful interactions and minimizing abandonment.
Section by Carina Felsberger
Senior UX WriterWhat to expect from a UX writing workshop
A UX writing workshop is usually held at the beginning of a project, in the frame of a rebranding or a redesign. It has the biggest impact in the early stage of UX content production. However, if you have skipped UX writing so far – don’t worry, it’s never too late!
At a UX writing workshop, you typically take a closer look at your brand personality and how you’d like to be perceived. When designing the conversation within a digital product, there are typically 2 parties communicating with each other: the users and the organization behind the product. These two need to be connected. That's why I always divide UX writing workshops into 3 parts: 1. The users, 2. the organization, and 3. the communication between them.
Defining the voice and tone of your organization
The first part of the workshop is usually short because elaborating on user needs is so important, it’s a separate discipline called UX research. The second part is the main reason we’re here: The brand voice of your organization. That’s why these meetings are often referred to as “Voice and tone workshops”. So we define what makes your brand unique. Ultimately, we define how this unique brand voice communicates with the other party (the users), including the tone of voice in different situations.
How long does it take?
For a UX writing workshop, you should plan at least 2-3 hours. Depending on the size and complexity of the organization, the number of participants, and the research that has already been done in advance.
Who to invite?
At least 2-3 people from your organization should be involved. Typical roles: Brand/Product Managers, Marketing and Communication, Sales, and all other roles that have a say about what the product should be like or are in some way communicating with its target audience. From Mindnow’s side, the Product Owner, the UX Researcher, and the Writer will be involved.
It also makes sense to invite UX designers. They must understand the brand voice. Either directly invite them to the workshop or let the Product Owner give them a solid briefing of the outcomes.
