UX Writing: Writing for Reading (Editorial) vs Writing for Doing (Experience)

June 29th 2023 - verfasst von Denise Bures

In the world of User Experience (UX) design, UX writing plays a crucial role. It involves using the right words at the right time to provide users with clear guidance, enabling them to take actions and ensuring a seamless user experience. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between writing for reading (editorial) and writing for doing (experience) in the context of UX writing and why it is important to consider both aspects.

Writing for Reading (Editorial)

When writing for reading, the focus is on clear and understandable communication of information to the user. The goal is to convey content in a way that is easy to read, comprehend, and process. Some key aspects to consider include:

• Language and tone: The language should be clear, concise, and understandable. Depending on the target audience and context, the tone may vary, but it should always reflect the brand and its values.
  

• Hierarchy and flow: Text should be well-structured, with clear headings, paragraphs, and bullet points to ensure readability and information absorption.
  

• Avoidance of jargon: Technical terms and abbreviations should be avoided or explained to ensure that the content is understandable to all users.

How does this look like in practice?

When a user reads an instruction manual for using software, it is important that the instructions are clear and easily understandable, allowing the user to navigate through the process smoothly.

Imagine you are designing a news app where users can access and read articles on various topics. When writing the article headlines and summaries, it is essential to use language that grabs the reader's attention and clearly communicates the main idea. The text should be concise, engaging, and informative, allowing users to quickly decide if they want to read the full article. Additionally, within the article, the content should be structured with clear headings, subheadings, and paragraphs to ensure readability. The use of bullet points and lists can also enhance the scannability of the content, making it easier for users to find the information they are looking for.

Writing for Doing (Experience)

When writing for doing, the focus is on providing users with clear instructions and guiding them to interact with the interface. The goal is to offer users a seamless and intuitive user experience by leading them through the process and supporting their actions. Some key aspects to consider include:

• Consistent action instructions: Actions should be described clearly and consistently to facilitate user understanding and task execution.
  

• Error messages and validation: When errors or validations occur, it is important to provide clear and helpful guidance to assist users in troubleshooting and maintaining progress in the user experience.
  

• Microinteractions and feedback: Writing should contribute to giving users feedback on the status of actions, such as success messages, loading states, or progress indicators.

How does this look like in practice?

When a user is using a mobile app and taps on a button, the accompanying text should be clear and unambiguous, indicating to the user what will happen after tapping.

Consider a ride-sharing app where users can book a ride to their desired destination. The app needs to provide clear and concise instructions at each step of the booking process. For instance, when selecting a pick-up location, the text should guide users to enter their address accurately and may even suggest nearby landmarks or popular locations to make the process more convenient. During the ride selection process, the app should present options clearly, highlighting factors such as estimated time of arrival and pricing. The accompanying text should provide relevant details about each option, enabling users to make an informed decision.

Sum it up

Writing for reading (editorial) and writing for doing (experience) are both crucial aspects of UX writing and contribute significantly to creating successful digital products. By effectively communicating information in a clear and understandable manner, users can easily grasp content, while precise action instructions help them navigate smoothly through the interaction process. By considering both aspects, we can create an optimal user experience.

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Recommended Reading

• Barnum, C. (2011). Usability Testing Essentials: Ready, Set...Test!. Morgan Kaufmann.

• Krug, S. (2014). Don't Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability. New Riders.