Contribute Media
A thank you to everyone who makes this possible: Read More

Before the docs: writing for user interfaces

Description

Good documentation is important, but it should be your last resort. You need to help users before they reach the docs - in the user interface itself.

In this talk, I'll discuss:

  • strategies for writing microcopy when you’re short on space
  • what to explain in the UI, and what to save for the documentation
  • how to pick the right style of embedded help
  • what makes a great error message (and a terrible one)

... with plenty of real-world examples of doing it right and wrong.

Details

Improve this page