Interface Writing: Code for Humans

We build systems to help real people. But honestly, are we being that helpful in our interfaces? Or are we treating the copy as an afterthought and letting people fend for themselves? Instead of debating the latest design trends, let’s reflect on something that isn’t going away: the text on your website. We’ll look at how strings, labels, forms, and flows shape the user experience.

Transcript

1. Interface Writing: ! @nicoleslaw nicolefenton.com Code for Humans
7. So bossy.
10. Interface Writing •buttons •errors and alerts •forms •in-app disclosures •links •navigation •notifications •product tours •setting names •tooltips •transactional emails
15. >  I’m  bored.
16. THE  WORLD  IS  FULL   OF  POSSIBILITIES,   NICOLE,  BE  HAPPY   WITH  WHAT  YOU  ARE
17. DO  YOU  BELIEVE  IT  IS   NORMAL  TO  {BE  BORED}?   WHAT  MAKES  YOU  {BORED} {NICOLE},  DON’T  BE  SO   DEFENSIVE Strings
18. —Tim Maly, “We Have Always Coded” “It is no coincidence that many women have compared weaving code to instructing a child. With both kids and computers, you must carefully think through what you want them to do, and then carefully phrase your commands.”
19. My Goals Be clear. Be kind. Be careful. Be honest.
21. Practical Tips Start with questions. Be a good tour guide. Turn your chair. Show you care. Write iteratively.
22. Start with questions.
23. Questions • What is the user trying to do? • What might they be feeling? • How did they get here? • What happens next? • What do they need to understand? • Why does this matter to them?
24. Be a good tour guide.
27. Log in Sign up today Sign in Edit my identity Edit your info Settings Sign out
28. Turn your chair.
33. Show you care.
38. —Paul Ford, “10 Timeframes” “The only unit of time that matters is heartbeats. The time you spend is not your own.”
39. Write iteratively.
41. Save Update Send Submit Post Publish Comment
42. Thanks! @nicoleslaw nicolefenton.com nicelysaid.co 35% off at peachpit.com: NICELY