13 UX Content Laws
Because even the best-designed interfaces fall apart without good content.
Drawing from two decades of usability practice, these 13 laws align common UX content pitfalls with timeless design psychology—grounding your instincts in proven principles. If content feels “off,” these laws will help you diagnose and fix the issue faster.
1. Law of Clarity: Be Clear, Be Human
If users don’t understand what you’re telling them, nothing else matters. Ditch vague, robotic phrases and say what’s happening in plain language—with empathy and precision.
❌ Bad:
“There’s an issue with your order.”
✅ Better:
“Your jeans are delayed. Expect delivery Friday. Want to ship the rest now?”
🔍 Based on:
Jakob’s Law, Tesler’s Law
Users rely on familiar patterns. Clarity builds trust.
2. Law of Next Steps: Don’t Leave Users Hanging
Clarity without direction still leads to confusion. Every message should either resolve the issue or point the user toward resolution. Dead ends increase frustration, support calls, and drop-off.
❌ Bad:
“We couldn’t find your account.”
✅ Better:
“We couldn’t find your account. Try a different email or [contact support].”
🔍 Based on:
Fitts’s Law (make targets actionable)
Peak-End Rule (dead ends create lasting negative impressions)
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3. Law of Relevance: Cut the Jargon
Overexplaining technical details (or our internal processes) may be accurate—but it’s not helpful. Focus on what the user needs to know and what they can do next. Save the backend talk for the engineering wiki.
❌ Bad:
“500 internal server error caused by API timeout.”
✅ Better:
“We’re having trouble processing your request. Try again or call support.”
🔍 Based on:
Miller’s Law
Too much info overloads the brain. Say less, mean more.
4. Law of Usefulness: Answer the Right Question
If your content answers the wrong question—like what powers the feature instead of how to use it—you’re not helping. Write for user intent, not internal excitement.
❌ Bad:
“This feature is powered by AI and uses advanced algorithms.”
✅ Better:
“Here’s how to use this feature: [3-step guide]”
🔍 Based on:
Doherty Threshold
Keep interaction smooth by reducing cognitive delays.
5. Law of Context: Don’t Hide the Why
Messages like “Something went wrong” are meaningless. People don’t need every technical detail—but they do need to know if the problem is on their end, what to expect, and what to do next.
❌ Bad:
“Something went wrong.”
✅ Better:
“We hit a snag. Our engineers are on it. Try again in an hour.”
❌ Bad:
“Manage your plan.”
✅ Better:
“Change your plan”
Why be obtuse? It’s ok to use language based on what users do most in that area.
A study by NNG shows that scannable clear copy performed 27% better and reduced errors etc.https://www.nngroup.com/articles/how-users-read-on-the-web/
🔍 Based on:
Tesler’s Law
Don’t push complexity onto the user. Absorb it internally and give them the useful parts.6. Law of Context: Don’t Hide the ‘Why’
6. Law of Empathy: Make It About Them
Users don’t care about internal rules or processes—they care about getting things done. Frame actions and requirements in terms of their benefit, not your needs.
❌ Bad:
“We require additional verification.”
✅ Better:
“To protect your account, check your email for a verification code.”
🔍 Based on:
Jakob’s Law, Law of Common Region
Use familiar, user-centered framing. Speak to their goals, not your workflow.
7. Law of Just-Enough: Say What Matters
Too many words, and people glaze over. Too few, and they’re left guessing. Great content is just-enough content—clear, specific, and free of fluff.
❌ Bad (Too much):
“To proceed, please verify your email by checking your inbox for a message from us.”
❌ Bad (Too little):
“Check your email.”
✅ Better:
“Check your inbox for a verification email from us.”
🔍 Based on:
Miller’s Law, Von Restorff Effect
Say only what matters. The standout message should be the helpful one.
8. Law of Inclusive Cues: Don’t Rely on Sight
Content should work for everyone. That means avoiding color references, visual directions, or ambiguous labels that exclude users relying on screen readers or assistive tech.
❌ Bad:
“Click the green button below to continue.”
✅ Better:
“Select ‘Next’ to continue.”
🔍 Based on:
Aesthetic-Usability Effect, Tesler’s Law
Accessibility improves usability—for everyone, not just a few.
9. Law of Scanability: Let the Eyes Glide
Users don’t read—they scan. Dense paragraphs and long steps slow them down. Break content into chunks, use headings, and visually group what goes together. (Guess what? This helps make content more accessible too.)
❌ Bad:
"To complete your order, please make sure your shipping details are correct, choose a payment method, enter your billing address, and review before placing the order."
✅ Better:
Steps to complete your order:
Confirm shipping details
Choose a payment method
Enter billing address
Click ‘Place Order’
A study by NNG proves that scannable copy that is also providing the why, why do I care, performs better-27% better.
https://www.nngroup.com/articles/how-users-read-on-the-web/
🔍 Based on:
Law of Proximity, Law of Common Region
Group related elements and keep steps visible at a glance.
10. Law of Emotional Match: Match the Mood
Tone matters. When users are frustrated, confused, or anxious, overly cheerful copy can feel dismissive. Match your voice to their mindset—then help them move forward.
❌ Bad:
“Oopsie! Something went wrong. 😢”
✅ Better:
“We’re experiencing an issue. Try again or contact support.”
🔍 Based on:
Peak-End Rule
Users remember the emotional peak of a moment. Make it respectful.
11. Law of Fit: Content Needs the Right Container
Even great content fails when the design gets in the way. Avoid modals, click-heavy flows, or burying instructions. Let content be seen when and where it’s needed.
❌ Bad:
Multi-step error in a modal with long instructions.
✅ Better:
Inline guidance that explains the issue and next steps right away.
🔍 Based on:
Hick’s Law
Less interaction = better experience. Reduce friction with better content flow.
12. Law of Pattern Match: Align with Mental Models
If a user expects a Yes/No toggle, don’t give them a dropdown. Match interaction patterns to what feels natural—it makes choices faster and reduces errors.
❌ Bad:
Dropdown for a Yes/No question.
✅ Better:
Radio buttons that show both options at a glance.
🔍 Based on:
Fitts’s Law, Tesler’s Law
Make choices obvious. Don’t force users to work for them.
13. Law of Small Fixes, Big Impact
You don’t need a full redesign to fix broken UX content. Tiny changes to language, structure, and tone can dramatically improve trust, task completion, and satisfaction.
❌ Bad:
Confusing, vague, or overly complex content.
✅ Better:
Clear, helpful, and tailored messages—even in small moments.
🔍 Based on:
Cumulative application of all laws
Content is UX. Invest in it like it matters—because it does.
