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Twenty free online resources to practice your UX writing skills
Write plainly, design exceptionally
“When you wish to instruct, be brief. Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind,” said Cicero, a Roman Scholar, arguably responsible for transforming Latin from a functional language to a dynamic and abstract literary medium.
Cicero altered literary history thousands of years ago, but his words still ring true today. Concise writing is some of the most valuable prose on the planet.
Plain, precise script has always benefited humanity, from explicit instructions to directions on prescriptions.
I bet you can think back to a time when your instructions on a test or manual were incomprehensible. As a result, you likely needed additional help to complete a task efficiently. If you’ve ever tried to build a furniture set from IKEA, you know what I’m talking about.😒
Doesn’t it feel frustrating? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way.
One area in which concise writing has significantly benefited people within the past 20 years is in tech, mainly due to good UX writing (user experience writing).
UX writing is a growing field requiring designers to learn about users and their needs. Rather than prioritizing the needs of a machine, designers consider the human factor. The human factor concerns human abilities, expectations, and limitations in the design process. Essentially, UX writers craft microcopy to communicate with us through a product.
This microcopy could greet, instruct, apologize, or even express gratitude to the users in succinct, straightforward ways. It is not an easy job, but it can be learned with the right resources.
Many free online resources are available for those who want to learn how to write better, but they are not all created equally. Some resources are better than others, and some will teach you more. The best way to find out which is best for you is by trying them out and seeing which suits your needs.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of the best twenty free online resources to get you started on your UX writing journey. Oh, and don’t forget to keep this list in your back pocket for a rainy…
