ux-copy

name: ux-copy
description: Write or review UX copy — microcopy, error messages, empty states, CTAs. Trigger with "write copy for", "what should this button say?", "review this error message", or when naming a CTA, wording a confirmation dialog, filling an empty state, or writing onboarding text.
argument-hint: "<context or copy to review>"

/ux-copy

> If you see unfamiliar placeholders or need to check which tools are connected, see [CONNECTORS.md](../../CONNECTORS.md).

Write or review UX copy for any interface context.

Usage

/ux-copy $ARGUMENTS

What I Need From You

• Context: What screen, flow, or feature?
• User state: What is the user trying to do? How are they feeling?
• Tone: Formal, friendly, playful, reassuring?
• Constraints: Character limits, platform guidelines?

Principles

1. Clear: Say exactly what you mean. No jargon, no ambiguity.
2. Concise: Use the fewest words that convey the full meaning.
3. Consistent: Same terms for the same things everywhere.
4. Useful: Every word should help the user accomplish their goal.
5. Human: Write like a helpful person, not a robot.

Copy Patterns

CTAs

• Start with a verb: "Start free trial", "Save changes", "Download report"
• Be specific: "Create account" not "Submit"
• Match the outcome to the label

Error Messages

Structure: What happened + Why + How to fix

• "Payment declined. Your card was declined by your bank. Try a different card or contact your bank."

Empty States

Structure: What this is + Why it's empty + How to start

• "No projects yet. Create your first project to start collaborating with your team."

Confirmation Dialogs

• Make the action clear: "Delete 3 files?" not "Are you sure?"
• Describe consequences: "This can't be undone"
• Label buttons with the action: "Delete files" / "Keep files" not "OK" / "Cancel"

Tooltips

• Concise, helpful, never obvious

Loading States

• Set expectations, reduce anxiety

Onboarding

• Progressive disclosure, one concept at a time

Voice and Tone

Adapt tone to context:

• Success: Celebratory but not over the top
• Error: Empathetic and helpful
• Warning: Clear and actionable
• Neutral: Informative and concise

Output

## UX Copy: [Context]

### Recommended Copy
**[Element]**: [Copy]

### Alternatives
| Option | Copy | Tone | Best For |
|--------|------|------|----------|
| A | [Copy] | [Tone] | [When to use] |
| B | [Copy] | [Tone] | [When to use] |
| C | [Copy] | [Tone] | [When to use] |

### Rationale
[Why this copy works — user context, clarity, action-orientation]

### Localization Notes
[Anything translators should know — idioms to avoid, character expansion, cultural context]

If Connectors Available

If ~~knowledge base is connected:

• Pull your brand voice guidelines and content style guide
• Check for existing copy patterns and terminology standards

If ~~design tool is connected:

• View the screen context in Figma to understand the full user flow
• Check character limits and layout constraints from the design

Tips

1. Be specific about context — "Error message when payment fails" is better than "error message."
2. Share your brand voice — "We're professional but warm" helps me match your tone.
3. Consider the user's emotional state — Error messages need empathy. Success messages can celebrate.