UX Text Standards

Nádia Dias Updated by Nádia Dias

UX Text Standards

The UX text standards presented here form an essential foundation for nearly all user experiences, helping to create clarity and guide users intuitively.

Titles

Titles are labels that represent the highest levels of hierarchy in information architecture. They are often the first and, in many cases, the only text users read in an experience. Their goal is to provide immediate and clear context.

Buttons and Other Interactive Texts

Buttons and interactive texts allow users to interact, whether by touch, click, or voice command, leading them to the next step. These elements are commonly referred to as links, calls to action (CTAs), or commands, but they all share the same essential function: guiding users to the next screen or opening a new page. Here, we consider all these elements under this interactive standard.

Descriptions

Descriptions are informative texts that help users understand what to expect from the experience while also establishing the brand and reducing doubts. This text, often called body copy, only fulfills its role if read, though descriptions are frequently overlooked. When necessary, descriptive text should be concise and easy to comprehend.

Empty State

The empty state text creates anticipation and interest while indicating that the empty space is intentional and awaiting interaction. It can be as simple as a single line or, in more complex cases, include a title, a brief description, and a button.

Labels

Labels serve to simplify user understanding and reduce cognitive load. They are typically nouns and adjectives that identify sections, categories, status, progress, quantities, or units. Clarity and objectivity are essential to help users quickly understand the function or content of each section.

Controls

Control text informs users about the scope and state of available customizations. It should be clear in all possible states; for instance, checkboxes indicate affirmation when checked and negation when unchecked. If the label is not clear in both affirmative and negative states, it will not be functional for users.

Text Entry Fields

Text entry fields help users provide accurate information. The most effective way to do this is by pre-filling the field with appropriate information, saving users time and allowing for corrections when needed. This feature, however, is only useful when the experience already has the correct information with a high probability of accuracy.

Transition Text

Transition texts confirm that an action is in progress. When the experience needs time to process an action, it’s essential to keep the user informed of the wait. Just as an attendant would say, “Please wait while we process your request,” the digital experience should inform the user that the action is underway.

Confirmation Message

Confirmation messages assure the user that progress or expected results have been achieved, allowing the experience to continue while other systems work in the background.

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Usability Heuristics for Chatbots

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