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UX writing principles for digital products Checklist

Product copy review checklist

This UX writing checklist helps teams review the content in a digital product, from the purpose of a screen to its feedback.

The checks are a starting point for discussion. Apply them in context, alongside user research and accessibility testing.

Checklist sections

Using the checklist

Choose a screen or journey and work through the relevant sections. Record questions and changes for the people responsible for the product.

Some checks reflect style choices that need to be agreed for the product and its intended language.

First-pass screen review

Each screen has one clear purpose
The user can tell what they can do next
The main action is obvious
The screen includes only information the user needs now
The copy helps the user complete the task
The copy avoids internal system or process details
The user does not need to remember information from another screen
Before complex tasks, the interface lets users know what to expect

Plain language

The copy uses simple, everyday words
Sentences are short and simple
Necessary technical terms are explained
Acronyms are spelt out the first time
The copy avoids idioms and metaphors
The copy uses active voice where possible
The most important information comes first
The copy is easy to scan
The copy avoids unnecessary words

Visual accessibility

Instructions do not rely on colour, size, position or sound alone
Users can understand the interface without seeing the exact layout
Text and button contrast have the required contrast ratio
Content does not overlap, disappear or truncate
Navigation works on different screen sizes
Images remain clear when resized

Images and icons

Meaningful images have alt text
Decorative images are hidden from assistive technology
Alt text describes the purpose of the image and is brief and useful
Alt text does not start with “image of” or “picture of”
Icons are simple and recognisable
Icons have text labels where needed

Confirmations, warnings

The confirmation title asks one clear question
The title uses the same verb as the primary CTA
The body explains the consequence
The primary CTA confirms the action
The secondary CTA gives a clear way out
Warnings appear before irreversible actions
Warnings explain the consequence, not just the risk
Negative actions avoid “Cancel” as the secondary CTA when this creates ambiguity

Success messages

Success titles are meaningful, not just “Success”
The message says what happened
The message says what happens next where relevant
The right component has been chosen for the level of success

Tables and data

Column and row headings are clear
Table labels are short and descriptive
The table has a caption or summary where needed
Cell content is concise
Complex tables explain relationships between data points
Data labels are understandable without relying on colour
Numbers are formatted consistently
Empty data states are explained
Users can scan the table without reading every cell

Interaction and customisation

The task has been checked for interaction accessibility
Users can adjust text size where relevant
Users can use light or dark mode where available
Users can adjust notification, display and other preferences where relevant

Testing

The flow has been tested with users with different access needs where possible

Support from Narratology

Narratology helps teams review product content and develop their UX writing skills. Contact us to discuss training or a content review.

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