ux-writing

name	ux-writing
description	Write, review, and improve UX copy -- error messages, button labels, empty states, tooltips, onboarding flows, and all interface microcopy. Use when writing or fixing user-facing text in a product. Outputs production-ready copy with rationale.
license	MIT
args	[{"name":"target","description":"The feature, component, or screen needing copy (optional)","required":false}]
user-invokable	true

UX Writing

Write, review, and improve user-facing interface text so products are easier to understand and use.

Instructions

STEP 1 — GATHER CONTEXT

Before writing, establish: product/feature, audience (technical? general? first-time?), platform (web/mobile/CLI/email), user's emotional state (mid-task? recovering from error? onboarding?), and constraints (character limits, brand voice, localization). If not provided and not inferable, ask.

Pick a tone: professional-friendly (clear, warm — SaaS default), casual-conversational (relaxed, personality-forward — consumer apps), or technical-precise (minimal, exact — dev tools/CLIs). Let the user override.

STEP 2 — DIAGNOSE (when improving existing copy)

Check for: jargon users won't know, ambiguity, passive voice, wordiness, missing next step, blame language ("You entered invalid..." vs "That doesn't look right..."), tone mismatch, and inconsistency (same concept called different things).

STEP 3 — WRITE OR REWRITE

For each piece of copy, output in this format:

| Location | Original (skip if new) | Improved | Rationale (one line) |
| -------- | ---------------------- | -------- | -------------------- |

When writing a multi-step flow, show the full sequence to verify narrative coherence.

Principles by Category

Errors: Plain language + how to fix it + example if format matters. Never blame the user.

Form labels: Specific labels (not generic placeholders). Show format expectations. Explain why you're asking when non-obvious.

Buttons/CTAs: Verb + noun ("Create account", "Delete project"). Avoid "OK", "Submit", "Click here". For destructive actions, name the object.

Empty states: Explain why empty + clear next action. Inviting, not a dead end.

Success: Confirm what happened + what happens next. Match emotional weight.

Loading: Set time expectations. Explain what's happening. Offer cancel for long waits.

Confirmations: Name the action and object. Descriptive button labels ("Delete project" / "Keep project", not "Yes" / "No"). Only for irreversible actions.

Onboarding: One concept per step. Value before effort. Let users skip.

Permission requests: Explain the benefit. Ask in context, not on first load.

Transactional emails: Lead with the action. One CTA. Include fallback instructions.

Accessibility text: Describe function not appearance ("Search" not "Magnifying glass icon"). Concise aria-labels.

Pricing prompts: Lead with value not cost. Be specific about what they get. Respect current plan choice.

Example

Before:

Error: Invalid input
[OK]

After:

That email address doesn't look right — check for typos and try again.
[Update email]

Rationale: Names the field, suggests a fix, uses a specific button label instead of "OK".

STEP 4 — CONSISTENCY CHECK

When reviewing multiple pieces: flag terms used inconsistently (delete vs remove, workspace vs project), inconsistent button patterns, and tone shifts between states. Recommend a single term to standardize on.

STEP 5 — VERIFY

Before delivering, confirm:

• Understandable without context?
• User knows what to do next?
• Every word earning its place?
• Terminology matches rest of product?
• Tone fits user's emotional state?
• Works within constraints?

Rules

• Be specific, concise, active, helpful, consistent, and honest
• Never blame users for errors
• Never use unexplained jargon
• Never use humor in error states
• Never vary terminology for variety's sake — pick one term and stick with it
• Output format must use the table template for each piece of copy
• When reviewing multiple pieces, always include a consistency check
• If context is missing and cannot be inferred, ask before writing