Mastering UX Writing: 3 Storytelling Lessons for Success
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Chapter 1: The Art of UX Writing
UX writing is about conveying powerful messages using minimal words, a necessity in today's fast-paced world where clarity is paramount.
Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash
Four years ago, I encountered a significant challenge: selecting the perfect label for a button in an app. While pursuing my master’s in interactive media, I was tasked with developing an application for the Orange design team. It was during this course that I first encountered the term UX—User Experience.
This revelation ignited my passion for becoming a UX Writer, a role dedicated to crafting digital narratives through text, whether for websites or mobile applications. Since 2018, I have immersed myself in creating engaging digital experiences in a country where, on average, only 3.9 books are read annually.
In our current era, finding time to read is a luxury. Most people often abandon lengthy texts before finishing. Consider what types of writing compel you to read all the way through; this is about prioritizing the user's experience. Research indicates that we have limited time for storytelling, making UX writing a fantastic opportunity to learn how to captivate readers effectively.
As a personal note, I also write fiction and essays, and my experiences as a UX Writer have imparted invaluable lessons. Here are three key insights:
Section 1.1: Lesson 1 - Keep It Concise
The first lesson is straightforward: utilize short sentences and simple vocabulary. While stylistic preferences vary, long paragraphs are seldom read by the majority. To convey a message, meaningful brevity is essential. UX writing has shown me that concise sentences and clear language are more impactful than lengthy, complex phrases.
Additionally, it presents a stimulating challenge to craft beautiful narratives using a limited word count.
Subsection 1.1.1: Lesson 2 - Provide Information Promptly
The second lesson highlights the importance of timely information delivery. Fiction writers often drown their narratives in excessive detail, detracting from the core story. In digital product design, prompt access to information empowers users to make informed decisions.
When crafting narratives, it's crucial not to waste the reader's time; instead, offer relevant details without overwhelming them. This principle aligns with the concept of "progressive disclosure" in product design.
Section 1.2: Lesson 3 - Sequence Matters
The final lesson revolves around the significance of narrative sequencing. Navigating through an app can be a storytelling journey, whether it's transferring money, playing a song, or requesting a ride.
To ensure clarity, essential milestones must be addressed. Repetitive choices, such as selecting between domestic and international transfers, can frustrate users. Stories, too, should reveal information only when it becomes relevant to the narrative’s progression.
Chapter 2: Enhancing UX Writing Skills
The first video discusses the significance of storytelling within UX and product design, emphasizing how narrative shapes user experience.
The second video analyzes the lessons learned from "Toy Story 3", illustrating how storytelling flaws can lead to valuable insights, applicable to UX writing.
In conclusion, if you've made it this far, congratulations! You've engaged with these insights, demonstrating your commitment to understanding the art of UX writing.