UI That Talks Too Much: Where Microcopy Can Do Less

Microcopy is meant to guide users, but too often it becomes noise. We’ve all seen buttons with three lines of text, or error messages that sound like they were written by a robot and a lawyer at the same time. Trying to say everything can result in saying nothing clearly.

Sometimes, in an effort to be helpful or friendly, interfaces add layers of unnecessary explanation. The result? Slower scanning, decision fatigue, and confusion about what to do next.

What I’d do instead: Use everyday language. Keep action labels short and direct. Use structure, like bolded keywords or bullet points, to make content more scannable. Show trust in the user’s ability to figure things out, and make help available without overwhelming the main flow.

Good microcopy feels invisible because it gets out of the way. It gives just enough context for action and leaves room for confidence.