Daily UX writing challenge. Day #12

As a technical writer, I sometimes do some UX writing for the software products I work on. I decided to look into UX writing as another service I could offer, so took the daily UX challenge at https://www.dailyuxwriting.com.

Here's the day 12 (of 15) challenge.

Scenario

A user is creating an account. When they come to the step where they are asked to enter their name, they get an error message. A fraud detection software thinks their name is fake—but it’s wrong 5% of the time.

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Challenge

Write an error message that prompts them to fix the error without shaming them for having a fake-sounding name.

45 characters max

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My answer

Text:

Use alternative account or contact support.

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In my opinion, this is a problem that should be fixed in the software, not a challenge that is met by UX content. But as that's how it works, I've gone with text that asks the user to use an Apple or Google account. If they don't have those, they can contact support for assistance.

I didn't want to let the user know that the software had failed to recognise their name, as they probably get that a lot. Why annoy them by letting them know it has happened again and also that there's a weakness with the software. They might suspect the reason for not being able to log in, but at least we are not pointing it out. The alternative methods of logging in are something I've seen quite often and the option of contacting support is also there as a fallback.

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Looking for a UX writer?

Do you need a UX writer for your project? I'd love to hear from you. I've worked in software teams for most of my career as a technical writer and have trained as a content designer and copywriter too. I know about user journeys, work flows, and user-centred content. Microcopy, long form content, I can do it all.

Craig Wright is an experienced technical writer based in Chesterfield, UK.  He hates writing about himself in the third person, so I shall stop now.

Always interested in new content writing opportunities. Remote working preferred.

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