Recipe
Plain language UI copy
Write interface text that anyone can understand on the first read. No jargon, no cleverness, no friction.
The rule
If a user has to pause and re-read a label, button, or error message, you have failed. Every word must earn its place. Cut until it hurts, then cut once more.
Before → After
Don't
“An unexpected authentication error has occurred. Please attempt to reinitialize your session.”
Do
“Session expired. Log in again.”
Don't
“Initiate the download procedure by clicking the designated UI element below.”
Do
“Download.”
Checklist
- •Every button label is a single verb or verb+noun.
- •Error messages say what happened and what to do.
- •No passive voice. No “please.”
- •Read it aloud. If it sounds unnatural, rewrite.