ux-writing
UX Writing
Write clear, helpful copy that guides users through your interface.
Core Principles
1. Clarity Over Cleverness
- Use simple, familiar words
- Avoid jargon and technical terms
- Say what you mean directly
2. Be Concise
- Cut unnecessary words
- One idea per sentence
- Front-load important information
3. Be Helpful
- Tell users what to do, not just what happened
- Provide next steps
- Reduce anxiety and uncertainty
Button Labels
Do
- Use action verbs: "Save," "Send," "Create"
- Be specific: "Add to Cart" not "Submit"
- Match user intent: "Sign up free"
Don't
- Generic: "OK," "Submit," "Continue"
- Vague: "Click here," "Go"
- Negative framing: "Don't cancel"
Examples
| Instead of | Use |
|---|---|
| Submit | Send Message |
| OK | Got it |
| Continue | Next: Payment |
| Cancel | Keep Editing |
| Yes/No | Delete / Keep |
Error Messages
Formula
What happened + Why + How to fix it
Examples
❌ "Error 404" ✅ "Page not found. Try searching or go back to the homepage."
❌ "Invalid input" ✅ "Please enter a valid email address (e.g., name@example.com)"
❌ "Something went wrong" ✅ "We couldn't save your changes. Check your connection and try again."
Guidelines
- Be specific about the problem
- Avoid blame ("You entered...")
- Suggest a solution
- Use plain language, not error codes
Empty States
What to Include
- What this space is for
- Why it's empty
- How to fill it
Examples
No search results "No results for 'xyz'. Try different keywords or check your spelling."
Empty inbox "No messages yet. When someone contacts you, you'll see it here."
First-time user "Your projects will appear here. Create your first project to get started."
Loading & Progress
Short waits (< 2 seconds)
Just show a spinner, no text needed
Medium waits (2-10 seconds)
"Loading your dashboard..." "Saving changes..."
Long waits (> 10 seconds)
"Processing your video. This usually takes 1-2 minutes." Show progress percentage when possible
Success Messages
Be Specific
❌ "Success!" ✅ "Your profile has been updated."
Confirm the Action
"Message sent to sarah@example.com" "Order #12345 confirmed. Shipping in 2-3 days."
Suggest Next Steps
"Password changed. You can now sign in with your new password."
Tooltips & Hints
When to Use
- Explain unfamiliar UI elements
- Provide context for actions
- Show keyboard shortcuts
Keep Them Short
- Under 150 characters
- One concept per tooltip
- No critical information (tooltips are hidden by default)
Onboarding Copy
Welcome Messages
- Acknowledge the milestone
- Set expectations
- Point to first action
Example: "Welcome to Acme! Let's set up your workspace in 3 quick steps."
Progressive Disclosure
- Don't explain everything at once
- Introduce features when relevant
- Use inline hints over tutorials
Voice & Tone Guidelines
Voice (Consistent)
- Friendly but professional
- Clear and direct
- Helpful and supportive
Tone (Varies by Context)
| Situation | Tone |
|---|---|
| Success | Celebratory, warm |
| Error | Calm, helpful |
| Warning | Serious, clear |
| Onboarding | Encouraging, patient |
| Settings | Neutral, informative |