10 Usability Heuristics – From the View of Copywriters
Jakob Nielsen is the world’s leading expert on Web usability. He developed the 10 heuristics meant for user design that is also applicable for Copywriters in order to have an active content
Listed are some of the methods:
Visibility of system status
“The system should always keep users informed about what is going on, through appropriate feedback within reasonable time.”
Generate quick response to users after their feedback on visiting your site. Keep the site active through interaction contents.
Match between system and the real world
“The system should speak the users’ language, with words, phrases and concepts familiar to the user, rather than system-oriented terms. Follow real-world conventions, making information appear in a natural and logical order.”
Use simple and common terms that reach your target audience effectively than the technical usage.
User control and freedom
“Users often choose system functions by mistake and will need a clearly marked “emergency exit” to leave the unwanted state without having to go through an extended dialogue. Support undo and redo.”
While writing copy for online banking process or transactions, make sure you have sight of error text, “back” and “close” buttons that meant to enhance user ease accessibility.
Consistency and standards
“Users should not have to wonder whether different words, situations, or actions mean the same thing. Follow platform conventions.”
This relates to using plain language, especially for copy that supports practical user tasks like product research, online purchase and other types of conversion.
Help and documentation
“Even though it is better if the system can be used without documentation, it may be necessary to provide help and documentation. Any such information should be easy to search, focused on the user’s task, list concrete steps to be carried out, and not be too large.”
When writing the content for support and FAQ avoid jargon as it can cause misinterpretations on user’s point of view have the content clear and simple that is understandable by everyone.
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