To Comment or Not to Comment

The best way to comment on your UX Writer’s document

*This story was firstly published here.

UX writing is conversation encapsulated. It’s important to understand what it is that our users want, how they feel, and problem they have. That way, you can craft words that is not only compelling and concise, but also clear, and appropriate within the given context.

As a UX Writer, our working document is the key to peek into our brains. We put our sweat into it. If you want to understand how our brain actually work, our documentation has the answer to it. But, how to best commenting on your UX Writer document?

Before going there, let me take you to a tour into the imaginary document. A UX Writer document usually includes screenshot of the UI, the copy and an empty column where the Editor will put some notes if necessary. And here’s where the fun begins; commenting on a UX Writer document.

Commenting is the best way to discuss a copy. You don’t need to set a meeting nor a 1 on 1 with the writer. All you need to do is just putting some comments on the document to let the writer know what you think about the copy. So, without further ado, let’s take a look on how to best comment on UX Writer Document.

Put Down Your Ego

Try to be as objective as you can when you’re commenting on a UX Writer document. This is all about the copy and the copy only. Residing your ego will help a lot to give an honest and objective perspective; and sure a better copy output.

Copy is the Queen

Remember, you are commenting the copy, not the outfit of the writer or her makeup. While commenting the document, try to give your full focus into the existing copy first before suggesting an alternative. When you are suggesting an alternative, always start with what you think of the existing copy.

It’s not a Competition

This might be hard for some people, but it is indeed not a competition. It’s not a rivalry to choose which person has the best copy; we are working together to deliver the right copy for the right design.

User is the King

What matters is the user problem, not your taste. Commenting “I don’t like this one” helps no one in this case. Please raise a valid concern that involve user problem and user experience.

Now that you know the best ways to approach UX Writer document, please promise me you won’t be a jerk commenting “Can we change this copy? I don’t like it,” on the document.