UX writing, often called “UX Writing”, is an essential dimension of user experience (UX). In a constantly changing digital world, where users are confronted with a multitude of applications and services on the internet, UX Writing aims to support, inform and soothe users throughout their interaction with an interface. Words are transformed into an instrument aimed at optimizing the user experience and happiness.
Illustration: ChatGPT
This article immerses you in the world of UX Writing to understand how it changes the user experience, its foundations, its methods and its influence on the improvement of digital interfaces.
The essential criteria of UX writing
To understand UX Writing, it is essential to understand its fundamental principles which ensure smooth and captivating user experiences.
1. Clarity and simplicity
A good UX text is clear and succinct. The goal is to prevent confusion and ensure that instructions are understood without the need for additional thought. User navigation is greatly improved by using simple language, a clear tone, and easily understandable terminology. For example, a payment interface is required to use clear words to describe the different payment steps and options to avoid any doubt.
2. In line with brand voice
UX writing translates the brand’s voice, ensuring a consistent and authentic customer experience. A more formal tone will be adopted by a serious brand, while an innovative brand may use humor. This consistency consolidates the brand image and the bond of trust with the user.
3. Customer Empathy
In UX Writing, empathy is essential. Understanding users’ needs, expectations, and even frustrations makes it easier to write soothing and appropriate messages. UX Writing anticipates users’ questions and provides precise answers, thereby reducing conflicts and increasing satisfaction.
With these three principles, user experience designers can transform complex interfaces into captivating and intuitive experiences. Each word is carefully chosen to effectively guide the user.The impact of UX Writing on user experience
UX writing is an effective tool to optimize the user experience. Here is its impact on various phases of navigation.
Reduce friction and optimize navigation
Carefully selected terms make navigation easier by helping users understand exactly what they need to do. For example, UX microcopy involves using succinct and direct texts, such as button labels or error alerts, to effectively guide users. For example, a “Confirm” button is much clearer/more eloquent than a “Submit” button when it comes to validating an order.
Promote conversions and engagement.
Well-placed and clearly written messages encourage user engagement, which can result in higher conversion rates. An optimized Call to Action (CTA) encourages the user to take action, such as subscribing or completing a purchase. This type of message prompts action without any confusion.
Reassure and guide the user
The user is reassured by an intuitive interface, and words play a crucial role in this context. For example, clearly worded UX error alerts detail the issue and offer solutions, reducing frustration while building trust in the interface. An appropriate error message could say, “Please enter a valid email address,” instead of the standard and vague “Error.”
Fundamental methods in UX writing
User UX Writing requires a specific approach and methods to make the user experience more pleasant and intuitive.
Microcopy: The Art of Guiding the User with Words
The term “microcopy” refers to short texts (such as feature descriptions, section titles, and alerts) that help guide the user without dumping too much information. To illustrate, a sign-up button might use the microcopy “Create my account” to make the process clear.
A/B Testing to Improve Messages
In UX writing, the practice of A/B testing is common. By studying different versions of a message, UX teams can identify which one performs best with users. For example, we could compare different configurations of a purchase button (“Buy Now” salary. "Order") to determine which converts best.
Adaptation to different media (mobile, desktop, voice)
UX writing should be adaptable to different devices. Screens of different sizes and voice assistants allow users to access interfaces. On mobile devices, it is essential to use short and striking words, while on voice interfaces, messages should be more natural and interactive.
Concrete examples of good UX Writing
The most relevant examples of UX Writing illustrate how companies incorporate these principles to deliver a smooth and enjoyable customer experience.
Practical case: Airbnb
Airbnb is a remarkable platform that stands out when it comes to writing customer experience. In the process of booking a place, a user is guided by precise instructions and useful guidelines. For example, when selecting their booking dates, the message “Confirm dates” clearly specifies the process, while requests for help throughout the booking process are reassuring and transparent.
Examples of successful microcopying
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- Clear error messages : For example, Google clarifies why an email address is incorrect by offering concrete recommendations, such as: “Use an appropriate format such as example@domain.com.”
- Engaging CTA buttons : Action buttons like " Continue " ou " Add to Cart " facilitate navigation by guiding the user.
- Simplified forms : Carefully designed forms with accurate microcopying in every field reduce errors and make it easier for the user to quickly enter the information required.
These examples illustrate the effect of customer experience writing on the interface: it facilitates interactions by making them intuitive and unconstrained.
Key skills to become a UX Writer
The role of UX Writer requires a multitude of specific skills, particularly in terms of writing and cooperation.
Knowledge of user psychology
A skilled UX Writer understands user behaviors and expectations. This gives them the ability to predict reactions to messages and craft words that build trust and clarify the intended action.
Multidisciplinary teamwork
The UX Writer collaborates with UX designers, developers, and marketers to create a harmonious interface. This collaboration is essential because every wording decision must fit into the overall design and functionality of the interface.
Writing skills and adaptability
The UX Writer must be able to juggle between various styles and nuances in accordance with the brand’s tone. This adaptability is essential, because UX Writing must be accurate, clear and user-focused, while preserving the brand’s identity.
The Future of UX Writing in Digital Design
In the digital age, the role of UX Writing is increasingly essential to meet user expectations.
The rise of voice interfaces
With the rise of voice assistants like Alexa or Siri, UX Writing is evolving into a field called “conversation design”. Here, the UX Writer must anticipate users’ questions and voice commands to design natural and adapted responses.
UX Writing and Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is impacting customer experience writing by allowing messages to be personalized based on each user’s preferences and behavior. For example, messages can be personalized based on a user’s preferences to improve their journey and make the experience more intuitive.
Towards a more human user experience
By integrating empathy and brand voice, UX Writing doesn’t just improve the interface; it creates an emotional connection with users. In contemporary digital interactions, where users aspire to a real experience, this humanizing aspect is particularly valued.
Conclusion
UX Writing is more than just writing: it’s about designing words that guide, reassure, and improve the user experience. Through principles such as simplicity, clarity, consistency, and empathy, UX Writing helps transform complex interfaces into fluid and engaging experiences. As digital continues to grow, UX Writing is becoming an essential lever for delivering quality user experiences.
For companies, investing in a UX Writing strategy has become essential to remain competitive and offer a user experience that builds loyalty and satisfies their customers. By placing words at the service of the user, UX Writing helps create more human and engaging interactions, thus strengthening the relationship between the brand and its users.
Anton Blondeau, UX Designer Consultant at UX-Republic
