UX writing is a design discipline that involves creating copy for digital products such as apps, websites, and software that helps users navigate the product. UX writers focus on the written bits of UX design, such as menus, definitions, buttons, labels, and microcopy. They work closely with product teams to create useful copy that is concise, clear, and easy to understand, with the goal of giving the user the least amount of friction as possible when using a product. UX writing is a relatively new field in the design world, but it is becoming more and more important as we rely more on digital products in our daily lives. The responsibilities of a UX writer include:
- Crafting the copy found throughout a digital product, including the text on buttons, menus, error messages, and more.
- Delivering the messaging of the product from the inside out, including product pages, emails, button copy, and push notifications.
- Acquiring a deep and thorough understanding of the user and often conducting UX research.
- Making suggestions to the product designer or product team through the design process about what should be changed, removed, or even added to make the user experience better.
To become a UX writer, one should have appropriate skills, build a presentable portfolio, and have some experience under their belt. Some skills that are helpful for UX writers include writing, grammar, spelling, an in-depth understanding of tone and shades of meaning, and UX-specific writing. Effective UX writing must be nuanced, clear, concise, and easy to understand.
