Checklist for good UX writing

Create an information hierarchy

1. Does the headline clearly communicate the primary focus for the user on this screen?
2. Does the call-to-action (CTA) match or follow logically from the headline?
3. Does the subheader provide an explanation or more information about the headline? A common pattern is that the headline says “Here’s what you have to do” and the subheader succinctly explains why.
4. Is the info presented in the best format for this content?
   1. Can this info be presented as bullet points? What about as a full sentence? Try several formats and compare—which sounds most natural?

Select the appropriate tone

What might the user be feeling at this moment? Is the tone of this message suitable for the situation?

Common scenarios and the right tones for them:

• Introductory, success, or confirmation screens
  • Tone: Friendly, playful, warm, or encouraging
• FYI communications
  • Tone: Informative, natural but not cutesy, potentially urgent
• Unexpected complications
  • Tone: Explanatory but not apologetic
• Errors Certara caused
  • Tone: Apologetic, informative, potentially urgent

Do the work to make it simple

The classic anecdote about a writer’s apology to his friend perfectly captures the essence of concise writing: “I’m sorry I wrote you such a long letter—I didn’t have time to write a short one.”

1. Look at each sentence/snippet on your screen. What is the core message of each? Is there any repetition?
2. Is there any technical or specialized language in this text? Can it be broken down into simpler terms for better understanding?
3. Could you remove any redundant words?
4. Is the sentence structure as simple as possible? If the sentence is long, could it be broken into two simpler sentences? For help, check out the Hemingway app .
5. Is it clear to the reader who’s performing what action? Does it have a clear subject and action?

Make it inclusive

1. Are there sayings, unusual phrases, or age-specific slang you could remove?
   1. Before: That was a piece of cake
   2. After: That was easy
2. Are the actions accessible?
   1. Before: Click on the menu on the left-hand side of the screen
   2. After: Select the “Getting started” menu
3. Could a middle-school reader understand this? Are there long or complex words that have a simpler alternative? Check the level of your writing . If it’s above 7th-8th grade, see “Do the work to make it simple.”
   1. Before: Effective January 1
   2. After: Starting January 1

Follow these tips for clear writing

Five great guidelines for clear, concise writing, courtesy of George Orwell:

1. Don’t use a metaphor, simile, or other figures of speech that you commonly see.
2. Don’t use a long word if a shorter one will do.
3. If you can omit a word, do it.
4. Use active voice.
5. Don’t use foreign phrases, scientific nomenclature, or jargon if there’s an everyday word you can use instead.