03.6 · Capability in Experience

Content design

The words in the product: labels, instructions, messages and docs that help people understand and act.

Map6 skills

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6 skillsClick a hexagon to set your status

03.6.1MicrocopyThe small pieces of text on buttons, labels, hints and messages.
03.6.2InstructionsExplaining how to do something at the moment it is needed.
03.6.3TerminologyChoosing consistent names for things in the product.
03.6.4Plain languageWriting that people understand on first read.
03.6.5Documentation UXHelp content that people can find and use while they work.
03.6.6LocalizationAdapting the product for other languages and regions.

Mark all 6

Where to start

3 resources

docsStart here
Writing for user interfaces ↗
GOV.UK Service Manual · 2017 · 7 min
Short, concrete rules for interface text from a team that tests its copy with millions of people.
docsStart here
Writing and editing: plain language ↗
Office for National Statistics · 5 min
Practical plain-language rules, including one term per concept and task-first headings.
docsGo deeper
GOV.UK content principles: conventions and research background ↗
GOV.UK · 2016 · 30 min
The research behind plain-language conventions, such as why people read less than you think.

0 tools

Tools for this topic are being researched.