Microcopy
Microcopy is short, contextual text that informs or guides users throughout an app or website product. For example: messages, button labels, field labels, and help text. Microcopy tells users what to do and explains anything that could be confusing.
Messages
Types of messages are:
- Important information
- Warning
- Error
- Field validation
- Success
- Loading and progress
Messages are polite, logical and easy for users to understand. Maintain a friendly tone and informal style as much as possible.
Guidelines for writing messages
- Don't use redundant words. Avoid using words that add no value to the message. Don't over-use 'please'. Aim to be direct and concise.
- Use contractions to sound more conversational.
- Avoid passive voice. Passive voice can sound robotic.
- Take responsibility when something goes wrong. 'We couldn't…' rather than 'You failed…'
- Error messages should tell users what's wrong and how to fix it (if appropriate).
Do
We couldn't change your password.
We need to verify the email address you used to create your account.
The details you entered don't match our records. Please check your ABN or ACN and try again.
Enter the licence number without spaces.
Do not
Your password could not be changed
You will need to verify your email address before using your account.
Your ABN or ACN is incorrect.
Error!
Labels
Use labels on buttons and forms that are clear and easy to understand. Always aim for short, concise labels, but don't sacrifice clarity for a shorter label.
Use sentence case for labels.
Button labels
Button labels should be an actionable description of what happens when the use selects the button. The text should properly set up expectations of what comes next.
The text should not wrap over more than one line.
Form labels
Form labels define what the user needs to enter into the field., or what they need to select, for radio buttons or check boxes. Where the user needs to make a choice, be brief and specific.
Do
Log in
Sign up
First name
Do not
Log In
Sign Up
My first name is:
Help text
Help text must be informative and useful. It can reduce the number of errors the user makes and reassure them by validating their actions.
Do not
Don't add help text where something is obvious.
Don't repeat what is already on the screen.
Use help text if data must be entered in a specific format.
Example
Date of birth Use the format DD/MM/YYYY.
Medicare individual reference number Number to the left of the name on your card.
Instruction text
This is the text on a page to guide the user to perform an action. The text explains what the user should do next. Users don't want to read long instructions on how to complete a single task.
Example
Check that the following details are correct before you submit your application for your online driving record. If you need to make any changes, use the Back button.
Answer the following questions to check your eligibility for an Owner-builder permit.