What good writing looks like
Article Overview
The core message of this article, penned by Rita Kind-Envy, is that the initial version of any non-fiction or User Experience (UX) writing is inherently flawed and should be viewed as a starting point for iteration, not a final product. The author argues that recognizing this "worst first draft" principle empowers writers to overcome the common difficulty of starting and to refine their work without panic. This perspective is particularly relevant for UI/UX writing (User Interface/User Experience writing - crafting the text that guides users through a product), where clarity and conciseness are paramount.
The article posits that the hardest part of writing, especially for interfaces, is simply beginning. It suggests that a common pitfall is expecting perfection in the first attempt. Instead, by accepting that the first draft will be "raw" and require work, writers can approach the process with a more iterative mindset. Iteration, in this context, refers to the process of repeating a set of instructions or a process with the aim of approaching a desired goal or result, similar to how designers refine visual elements. This iterative approach allows for continuous improvement until the text feels right and effectively serves the user's needs.
Kind-Envy provides a clear, relatable example using a confirmation window to illustrate her point. An initial, verbose prompt like "Are you sure you want to move to trash? 'Big birthday bash' will remain in your trash for 30 days" is contrasted with a refined, concise version: "Move to trash? 'Big birthday bash' will be deleted after 30 days." This demonstrates how iteration leads to clearer, more user-friendly microcopy (small pieces of text in a user interface, like button labels, error messages, or tooltips). The example effectively showcases the transformation from an overly cautious and wordy message to a direct and efficient one, highlighting the significant impact of careful word choice on user experience.
Ultimately, Kind-Envy concludes that this understanding—that the first version is always the worst—grants writers "power and motivation." It encourages a mindset where iteration is not a sign of failure but a necessary step towards achieving effective and intuitive UI/UX writing. Experienced writers, she notes, develop an instinct, a "small bug buzzing in your ear," that signals when text still needs work, reinforcing the idea that good writing is a cultivated skill that thrives on continuous refinement.
Impact on Design Practice
This article profoundly impacts designers by reframing how they approach text within their interfaces. Often, designers might treat copy as an afterthought or a placeholder, expecting a "UX writer" to magically fix it later. However, recognizing that the first draft is always the worst means designers must integrate copy iteration into their core design process, much like they iterate on wireframes or visual layouts. It encourages them to sketch out text ideas early and be prepared to refine them repeatedly, understanding that words are as much a design material as pixels.
For instance, when designing a new feature, instead of just dropping in generic "Lorem Ipsum," designers should draft initial microcopy (small pieces of text like button labels, error messages, or tooltips) and treat it as a critical design element. This means including copy reviews in design critiques, testing different wordings with users, and collaborating with UX writers from the outset. By embracing this iterative approach to text, designers can create more intuitive, empathetic, and effective user experiences, ensuring that the language guides users seamlessly rather than confusing them, much like a well-designed navigation system guides a driver.
Ultimately, this perspective empowers designers to take ownership of the entire user experience, including the words users read. It shifts the mindset from "I'm not a writer" to "I'm a designer who crafts experiences, and words are a powerful part of that craft." This integration ensures that the visual design and the textual content work in harmony, leading to a more cohesive, accessible, and user-centered product.
Embrace the truth that your first draft of UX copy is always the worst; it's a starting point for vital iteration, not a final product.
How to Apply This
This article encourages a fundamental shift in how designers approach content. Here are actionable steps to integrate this iterative mindset into your design workflow:
**Embrace the "Worst First Draft" Mindset:** Start writing microcopy early in the design process, accepting that it will be imperfect and require multiple revisions.
**Integrate Copy into Design Sprints:** Dedicate specific time during design sprints or critiques to review and iterate on UI text, treating it with the same rigor as visual elements.
**Test Copy with Users:** Include different versions of key microcopy in user testing sessions to gather feedback on clarity, tone, and effectiveness directly from your target audience.
**Collaborate with UX Writers Early:** Involve UX writers (or content strategists) from the initial ideation phases, rather than bringing them in at the end, to ensure content is integral to the design.
**Maintain a Content Style Guide:** Develop and refer to a consistent style guide for your product's voice and tone, ensuring all iterative changes align with the brand's communication strategy.
Industry Context
This article fits squarely within the growing recognition of UX writing as a specialized and crucial discipline in product development. In an increasingly competitive digital landscape, clear, concise, and empathetic microcopy (small pieces of text in a user interface, like button labels or error messages) is no longer a nice-to-have but a necessity for good user experience. The emphasis on iteration reflects a broader industry trend towards agile methodologies (an iterative approach to project management and software development that helps teams deliver value to their customers faster and with fewer headaches) and user-centered design, where continuous testing and refinement are paramount. As products become more complex, the role of language in guiding users and building trust becomes even more critical, elevating UX writing from a niche skill to a core component of successful design strategy.