Crafting Concise UX Copy

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The Art of Crafting Concise UX Copy That Delivers Results

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Concise UX copy is a cornerstone of effective communication in user interfaces. By delivering information clearly and succinctly, you can engage users, reduce cognitive load, and guide them toward desired actions. Mastering the art of brevity ensures your message is impactful without overwhelming your audience.

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What is Concise UX Copy?

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Concise UX copy refers to writing that is brief, clear, and focused on delivering essential information. It avoids unnecessary words while retaining meaning and clarity. The goal is to communicate effectively with as few words as possible, helping users make decisions quickly and easily.

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For example, instead of saying, "Please proceed to the next step by clicking the button below," a concise version would be, "Next step."

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Examples:

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• Verbose: "To proceed with the checkout process, please provide your contact information and click the button below to confirm."

• Concise: "Enter contact info and confirm."

 

By eliminating unnecessary details, concise UX copy ensures clarity and user engagement.

 

 

Why Concise UX Copy Matters

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• Reduces Cognitive Load: Simplified messages allow users to process information faster, leading to smoother interactions. Users are more likely to stay engaged when excessive text does not overwhelm them.​

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       Example: Instead of "Please provide all the required fields below," use "Fill all fields."

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• Improves User Engagement: Brief and direct copy captures attention and keeps users focused on their tasks. A clutter-free interface invites exploration and interaction.

 

 

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       Example: From "Click here to learn more about our premium plans" to "Learn about premium."

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• Enhances Usability: Concise instructions make interfaces more intuitive and easier to navigate. This improves the overall user experience, particularly for first-time users.

 

 

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       Example: Replace "Click this icon to return to the main dashboard" with "Go to Dashboard."

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1. Fits Mobile Screens: Limited screen space on mobile devices makes brevity essential. Clear, concise text ensures that important messages are visible without requiring excessive scrolling.

2. Drives Conversions: Clear and actionable language reduces friction in user journeys, encouraging users to take desired actions, such as signing up or completing a purchase.

 

 

Where to Use Concise UX Copy

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• Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons: These are critical touchpoints for driving action.

  • Example: Instead of "Click this button to download your file," use "Download."

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• Form Labels and Instructions: Keep instructions straightforward.

  • Example: Replace "Please write your full name in the box below" with "Full Name."

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• Error Messages: Provide actionable guidance.

  • Example: Instead of "Oops! Something went wrong. Kindly recheck your input and try again," use "Check input and retry."

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• Onboarding Screens: Simplify feature introductions.

  • Example: Instead of "Welcome to the app! Begin by setting up your account through the following steps," use "Set up your account."

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• Navigation Menus: Keep labels short and intuitive.

  • Example: Use "Cart" instead of "Your Shopping Cart."

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• Tooltips and Microcopy: Offer precise help.

  • Example: Replace "Click here to refresh the page" with "Refresh."

 

 

When to Prioritize Concise UX Copy

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       During Onboarding: First impressions matter. Concise guidance reduces user frustration and helps users quickly adopt your product.

• Example: Replace "Welcome! Let’s walk you through the process of setting up your profile" with "Welcome! Set up your profile."

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       In Complex Workflows: Breaking down steps into actionable instructions keeps users focused and reduces errors.

• Example: Instead of "Complete the steps below to finish your task," use "Follow steps to finish."

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       On Mobile Devices: Space constraints make brevity critical.

• Example: Replace "Please confirm your action to proceed" with "Confirm."

 

       For Critical Actions: When users need to act quickly.

 

 

• Example: Replace "Ensure you save your progress before exiting this screen" with "Save progress."

 

 

How to Craft Concise UX Copy

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1. Prioritize Essential Information

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Focus on what the user needs to know or do. Strip away any non-essential details.

• Verbose: "To complete this section of the form, kindly fill in all the mandatory fields marked with a red asterisk."

• Concise: "Complete required fields."

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2. Use Active Voice

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Active voice makes sentences more direct and engaging.

• Verbose: "Your profile details can be updated by accessing the settings menu."

• Concise: "Update profile in settings."

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3. Replace Long Phrases with Short Alternatives

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• "At this point in time" becomes "Now."

• "In order to" becomes "To."

• "You have the option to" becomes "You can."

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4. Avoid Redundancy

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Eliminate repetitive words or phrases.

• Verbose: "Enter your PIN code into the PIN field."

• Concise: "Enter your PIN."

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5. Test and Iterate

Test different versions of your copy with users to identify what works best. A/B testing can help refine your message.

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Challenges in Writing Concise UX Copy

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• Balancing Brevity with Clarity: Writing too concisely can result in ambiguity.

  • Solution: Test your copy to ensure users understand it.

• Maintaining Brand Voice: Keeping copy short while preserving your brand’s tone can be difficult.

  • Solution: Develop style guides to maintain consistency.

• Handling Complex Information: Simplifying intricate topics without losing meaning.

  • Solution: Break down complex ideas into smaller, digestible steps.

 

 

Tips for Effective Concise Copy

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• Use Short Sentences: Aim for 8-12 words per sentence.

• Stick to Familiar Words: Avoid jargon or obscure terms.

• Leverage Formatting: Use bullet points to organise information clearly.

• Eliminate Fillers: Remove words like "very," "really," or "just" unless necessary.

 

 

Results of Concise UX Copy

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• Faster Decision-Making: Users act quickly without deciphering lengthy instructions.

• Improved User Experience: Simplified interactions reduce frustration and increase satisfaction.

• Higher Engagement Rates: Clear language keeps users focused and more likely to complete actions.

• Better Accessibility: Brevity benefits all users, including those with cognitive impairments.

 

 

Examples of Concise UX Copy

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Before: "We cannot process your request at this moment due to technical issues. Please try again later." After: "Can’t process now. Try again later."

Before: "Click here to complete your purchase and finalise your order." After: "Complete Purchase."

Before: "To submit your application, click on the button below." After: "Submit application = Apply."

 

 

Practical Example

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Company: Airbnb

Scenario: Airbnb improved the booking flow by simplifying action prompts.

Original Copy: "If you would like to confirm your reservation, click the button below to proceed."

Revised Copy: "Confirm Reservation."

 

 

Why It Works:

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• Shorter and more direct, making it easier for users to understand and act quickly.

• Action-oriented phrasing reduces hesitation, improving conversion rates.

 

 

Conclusion

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Concise UX copy is both an art and a science. By focusing on clarity, brevity, and user needs, you can craft messages that resonate with your audience and drive results. Whether you’re designing CTAs, error messages, or onboarding screens, keeping your copy short and purposeful ensures a seamless and engaging user experience.

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