UX Writing: Hidden Opportunities in Everyday Interactions

Turn ordinary interactions into memorable experiences

Many companies treat system messages as afterthoughts, but these small moments can make or break the user experience. These overlooked touchpoints are opportunities to transform frustrating moments into delightful experiences.

Empty States

Generic "No items yet" messages waste valuable real estate. Instead, use these moments to inspire action and build user confidence with clear next steps.

Before: Static "No items" messages leave users stuck and uncertain

After: Guide users toward their first success moment with actionable prompts like "Ready to create your first project?" alongside a clear call-to-action button: "Start with a template"

Error States

Basic error messages erode user trust. Transform these moments into helpful guidance that makes recovery intuitive and keeps users engaged.

Before: Vague "Error" messages leave users frustrated and lost

After: Clear explanations like "Session Expired" with specific recovery instructions: "Your session has timed out for security reasons" and an obvious solution: "Log back in"

Success Messages

"Operation completed successfully" misses the opportunity to add value. Use success moments to reinforce positive actions and suggest productive next steps.

Before: Generic confirmations end the user journey prematurely

After: Celebrate completion with "Your report has been generated" while suggesting valuable next steps: "Pro tip: Schedule automatic reports to save time"

Apply these patterns in your product to improve user experience

Thoughtful microcopy transforms everyday interactions into opportunities:

  • Reduces support tickets by providing clear guidance

  • Increases user confidence through supportive messaging

  • Improves task completion rates with actionable prompts

  • Builds long-term trust in your product

  • Creates memorable moments that differentiate your brand

Good UX writing turns constraints into connections.