Ten Ways to Improve Your UI Text (Windows CE 5.0)
The following list shows techniques that you can use to improve the text in your user interface.
Make every effort to explain concepts.
Good UI text clearly explains all of the concepts that might be unfamiliar to a new user and tells the user how to perform the tasks presented. Example: Instead of saying that a Bluetooth device is discoverable, use the term available.
Use one term for all concepts that have the same meaning.
To find out if there is a preferred term for a concept, check the Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications (MSTP) and products similar to yours. If there is no preferred term, work with your UI text writer to select or create one, and then use the term consistently throughout the UI.
Do not use negative or politically sensitive terms ("abort," "invalid," etc.).
Write active sentences.
In an active sentence, the subject carries out the action. In a passive sentence, the subject receives the action. Avoid passive construction except when it is necessary to avoid placing blame on the user.
Examples:
Enter a name (active)
A name must be entered (passive)
When writing instructional text, present the result before the required action.
To prevent users from performing actions before they understand the consequences, explain what is going to happen before you tell them what to do.
Correct example: To add a new contact, click New.
Incorrect example: Click New to add a new contact.
Leave enough space for localization.
Translated text strings can expand more than 30%. Make sure there is enough room in your UI to accommodate this expansion.
Follow consistent capitalization and punctuation guidelines.
Write informative error messages.
An informative error message tells the user what happened, why it happened, and how to fix the problem.
Use acronyms.
Use acronyms in the UI and Help to conserve screen space. Do submit the acronym and its spelled out name to your documentation writer so that this information can be included in a glossary for reference.
Do not use technical jargon.
Use terminology that your audience understands. Avoid unnecessary technical terminology and sentences. Do not use slang. Some examples of technical terms and slang are: activate, screen real estate, modify, SIP, reboot, power up/down, and so on.
See Also
User Interface Design Guidelines
User Interface Customization for a Networked Media Device
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