![]() Commands should always reflect the state the system will move into, rather than the current state. Describe the consequent state, not the current state.(In this case, additional explanations are unlikely to be needed, but when they are, inline contextual help can be provided.) A better version of the dialog box (right) removes the extra words without sacrificing clarity this version makes it easier for users to understand the available options and choose the correct command. The UI copy in this dialog box is too wordy and complicated (left). While short commands are preferred, use enough text to explain the command sufficiently. Avoid overexplaining commands and remove articles (“a”, “an”, and “the”) to speed up scannability, comprehension, and task completion. Use just enough text to accurately describe the command and include no more than 2–4 words. One-word, self-explanatory command text is easiest to scan, but obscure commands or those used infrequently will require more context. Keep command text short without sacrificing clarity.That means there is pressure to create command labels that capture the meaning of the command in a concise way. They are normally displayed as buttons, icons ( preferably with labels or at least hover text), menu items, radio buttons, or other similar UI elements.Ĭommands are the bread-and-butter of applications because applications often need to offer a large number of features and commands, command names are usually short - there is simply not a lot of space in an application screen to accommodate a lot of long command names. Links simply help users navigate through a linked content space, whereas commands are associated with interaction flows and typically change the state of the system. UI copy is also different from link text. UI copy is also different from microcontent (or microcopy), which represents very short content used for headlines, email-subject lines, page titles, or tooltips. The phrase “UX copy” is also sometimes used to refer to these elements, but we prefer to use the more precise, less ambiguous term “UI copy” for these actionable items, as opposed to long-form content that’s intended to be read, but not clicked. Though often overlooked, these textual elements enable users of all types, including those with disabilities, to move quickly through our digital products.ĭefinition: User-Interface copy (UI copy) refers to labels for commands that appear in buttons, menu items, and other action-oriented elements in the user interface. Transparent command names and command shortcuts help users bridge the gulf of execution and are essential for a smooth, fast, and painless interaction. Users want to be efficient with their time.
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