diff --git a/documentation/Appropriate Tones in UX Writing.md b/documentation/Appropriate Tones in UX Writing.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..b63d6155111006cde66984ae22af797fd87eb014 --- /dev/null +++ b/documentation/Appropriate Tones in UX Writing.md @@ -0,0 +1,40 @@ +# Appropriate Tones in UX Writing + + + +Tones + + + +When writing a user- or developer-oriented copy, we should adjust the tone based on: + +- The content type, or context +- The user/developer's emotional state + + + +To determine an appropriate tone, consider the following questions: + +- What situation is the reader in at the moment? +- How do they likely feel right at the moment they are reading the text? +- How is this content going to affect the reader? +- How can I maintain the reader's state of mind or put them in a better tone? + + + +**Vary the tone to fit the situation:** + +| Content Type | Reader's Emotional State | Appropriate Tone | +| -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | +| Marketing campaign | Surprise, delight, distraction | Enthusiastic, memorable | +| Customer stories | Curious, relaxed | Energetic, direct, proud | +| Email newsletter | Interest, curiosity, distraction | Enthusiastic, helpful, personal | +| Blog post | Interest, anticipation, curiosity | Casual, friendly, contractions and colloquialisms accepted | +| Help document | Confusion, annoyance | Straightforward, helpful | +| Success message | Relief, pride, joy | Positive, friendly, enthusiastic | +| Failure message and alert | Confusion, stress, anger | Gentle, calm, serious | +| Input box tip | Focused, cautious | Extremely focused, short and to the point | +| Pop-up tip | Confused, focused, curious | Friendly, concise, full sentences not needed | +| Reply to a service ticket or complaint | Frustrated, hopeful | Helpful, calm, friendly | +| Legal document | Stress, confusion, annoyance | Clear, serious, straightforward, precision more important than clarity | +