bad microcopy example

Microcopy Round-Up: September 2020

Welcome to our monthly microcopy round-up where we bring you microcopy highlights shared by UX writing community members. We’re featuring the good, the bad, and the funny.

Thanks to everyone who contributes to the Facebook group and helps strengthen the UX writing community. OK, on to the examples!

The good

Let’s kick things off with a great example from Wealthfront, who put a new spin on a boring old security message.

Wealthfront microcopy example

Hinge is the dating app that’s meant to be deleted, and their copy is always on-brand. Check out that slogan!

Hinge microcopy example

Here’s a nice empty state for an empty Outlook inbox, which is apparently something that exists. Hat tip to your magnificence if your inbox has ever been in this pristine state.

Outlook empty inbox microcopy example

This food delivery app is helping reduce plastic waste by making it easy for customers to not have utensils included. 

delivery app microcopy example

The bad

There are a lot of “oopsies,” “whoopsies,” and “WTF-sies” in the fail department this month. We’ll start with the worst of the bunch.

bad microcopy example

This one’s not nearly as bad, but it’s still not working for most people involved in the discussion. Also, the non-contracted ‘could not’ and ‘you are’ are startlingly awkward to me. 

g2 crowd microcopy example

OK LinkedIn, here’s the thing. Most of us don’t want to have to solve a word puzzle to figure out what you’re trying to say. Cool?

LinkedIn bad microcopy example

Here’s another “at least you tried.”

Alarmy microcopy example

The funny

COVID-19 sucks. But “thank you” to all the writers out there who are helping us cope and make the best of a terrible situation. This month, it’s all off-site fun and funny microcopy examples.

I’m gonna resist the urge to make some sort of “whale of a good time” joke here.

COVID microcopy example

More clever COVID copy.

funny COVID microcopy example

Finalmente, un poco de Español. The copy says: “To take number, press No.” ¡Claro que sí!

funny spanish microcopy example

Your call

This example with explanatory texts next to form fields generated some interesting insights. What’s your take?

Your call microcopy example

That about wraps it up for this month. Check back in early October for the next microcopy round-up. In the meantime, be sure to sign up to our newsletter for weekly microcopy examples, top UX writing articles, and much more. 

Join our FREE UX writing course

In this FREE industry-leading course, you’ll learn about:

  • UX writing processes 
  • Testing
  • Research
  • Best practices