So, what is a UX writer exactly?
You’ve probably heard of a copywriter, maybe even a content writer. You might even known the difference between the two. But, have you heard of the relatively new kid on the block… the UX writer?
In the growing landscape of digital design and user interfaces, this relatively new but pivotal role has emerged - the UX writer. As technology continues to advance, the importance of creating user-friendly and intuitive experiences becomes increasingly apparent. This is where the UX writer steps onto the stage, using their knowledge of customer journeys, psychology, and word wrangling to create the best experiences for your users.
What does a UX writer do?
So, what exactly is a UX writer, and what do UX writers do? At its core, a UX writer is a wordsmith dedicated to enhancing the user experience by carefully choosing and crafting the language that appears within a digital product. Whether it's a mobile app, website, or software interface, the UX writer plays a crucial role in guiding users, providing clarity, and ensuring a seamless interaction.
In essence, the UX writer is a digital storyteller. They go beyond simply filling blank spaces with text; their goal is to communicate information effectively, evoke the right emotions, and guide users through a journey without causing confusion or frustration.
UX writing and design. A perfect partnership.
Design is not, and should not, be limited to visuals alone. While a well-designed interface can be visually appealing, it's the combination of design and words that truly elevates the user experience. Users navigate digital landscapes not only through clicks and taps but also through the information presented to them. This is where the UX writer's expertise comes into play.
Consider a call-to-action button. Without carefully crafted text, users might hesitate or feel uncertain about the next steps. A well-written call-to-action, on the other hand, can inspire confidence and prompt users to take the desired action. It's not just about what the button looks like; it's about what it says.
Collaboration is a key aspect of UX
In many organisations, UX writers are integral members of cross-functional teams, collaborating closely with designers, developers, product managers, and other stakeholders. This collaboration ensures that the written content aligns seamlessly with the overall design and functionality of the product. The goal is to create a harmonious blend where words complement visuals, leading to a cohesive and delightful user experience.
For example, when a designer creates a new feature, the UX writer works hand-in-hand to provide the necessary copy that not only describes the feature but also guides users on how to interact with it. This collaborative approach ensures that every element of the user interface serves a purpose and contributes to a user-centric design.
The role of creativity in UX writing
One of the challenges faced by UX writers is striking the right balance between clarity and creativity. While the primary objective is to convey information in a straightforward manner, injecting creativity into the language can make the user experience more engaging and memorable.
Not so long ago, UX writers would advocate for injecting personality and creativity in elements such as error messages. As a result, when you came across an error message, you might be unfortunate enough to read something like this, "Oops! It seems like our digital gremlins are at it again. Don't worry, just hit refresh, and we'll have everything sorted out in a jiffy!".
Urgh. The horror. Not only does this error message fail to tell the user anything remotely helpful, it’s almost patronising in it’s delivery.
Thankfully, those cutesy messages are on the way out. Instead, a far better approach would be to highlight the problem, “sorry, we couldn’t process that request”, provide an explanation, “We’re not sure what happened”, or “that link is broken”, and offer an alternative, “you can try this instead”, with options in a button. Now instead of a cringefest nothing statement, your users feel seen and we’ve acknowledged the issue and provided a solution.
TDLR; creativity doesn’t really have a place in UX. Let’s leave that for the marketers 😉
The ever evolving role of UX writing
UX writing is changing all the time. And as practitioners of UX writing we have to be adaptable. Users are fickle, and as digital platforms continue to evolve, so does the role of the UX writer. Early UX writing primarily focused on microcopy—short, concise pieces of text like button labels, tooltips, and error messages. And this is still super important. But, as the understanding of user experience deepens, and users are bombarded with SO MANY OPTIONS, the role of the UX writer has expanded. Now, it isn’t just limited to microcopy, its best friend macrocopy has turned up. So UX writers can now find themselves getting involved in longer-form content such as onboarding sequences, product tours, and user guides. And let’s be honest, we like the challenge.
Not only that, the rise of conversational interfaces and voice interactions has opened up new avenues for UX writers. Crafting dialogue that feels natural, informative, and user-friendly is a unique skill set that comes into play in chatbots, voice assistants, and other conversational interfaces.
Conclusion
Y’know, I’m not very good at blowing my own trumpet, so I’ll keep it as the collective. The role of a UX writer is like the thread that weaves everything together. It’s pivotal in user interfaces. Through careful selection and crafting of words, UX writers contribute to the creation of user experiences that are not only visually appealing but also intuitive, engaging, and user-friendly.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the importance of the UX writer is set to grow. Their ability to understand the user, collaborate with diverse teams, and create a seamless blend of words and design makes them invaluable contributors to the ever-expanding world of user experience. So, the next time you find yourself effortlessly navigating a website or app, remember that the words guiding you were likely meticulously chosen by a UX writer, working behind the scenes to ensure your digital journey is both smooth and memorable.
