1. Introduction to Microcopy

• Definition: Microcopy refers to short text used in user interfaces (UI) to guide users, including error messages, tooltips, button text, and confirmation messages.
• Why It Matters:
  • Builds trust with the user.
  • Improves clarity and task completion.
  • Reduces user frustration and confusion.

2. Key Components of Microcopy

• Buttons:
  • Definition: Text that appears on interactive elements (e.g., buttons, links).
  • Best Practice: Use clear, action-oriented verbs that describe what the user will achieve.
  • Example:
    • Good: “Get Started”
    • Bad: “Click Here”
• Error Messages:
  • Definition: Messages that notify the user when something goes wrong.
  • Best Practice: Be informative, polite, and offer clear next steps to resolve the issue.
  • Example:
    • Good: “Please enter a valid email address.”
    • Bad: “Error: Invalid input.”
• Confirmation Messages:
  • Definition: Messages that confirm a user action has been successful.
  • Best Practice: Keep it positive and clear, and reinforce the user’s accomplishment.
  • Example:
    • Good: “Your payment has been successfully processed.”
    • Bad: “Success!”
• Tooltips:
  • Definition: Short text that appears when users hover over or focus on an element.
  • Best Practice: Use tooltips to provide additional helpful information without overwhelming the interface.
  • Example:
    • Good: “Your monthly income before taxes.”
    • Bad: “Income.”

3. Best Practices for Microcopy

• Clarity First:
  • Avoid jargon and technical terms.
  • Use simple, everyday language.
• Be User-Focused:
  • Understand your user’s context and write from their perspective.
  • Anticipate user questions and answer them in the copy.
• Action-Oriented Language:
  • Use strong, descriptive verbs.
  • Communicate the result of the action (e.g., “Create Your Profile”).
• Consistency:
  • Maintain consistent language, tone, and style across the product.
  • Example: Always use either “Sign In” or “Log In”, but don’t mix them.

4. Practical Examples:

• Example 1: Budget Calculator
  • Button: “Calculate Budget”
  • Tooltip: “Enter monthly income before taxes.”
  • Error Message: “Please enter a valid income amount.”
• Example 2: Loan Pre-Qualification Tool
  • Button: “Check Pre-Qualification”
  • Confirmation: “You are pre-qualified! Here are your next steps.”
  • Error Message: “Oops, something went wrong. Try again in a few minutes.”