Today in class we had our first real lecture covering a range of different content, what it is, where it comes from and some examples of content that makes up a UI. We looked in-depth at instagram and twitter UI screenshots and broke down the User interfaces. It was useful to analyse something that I look at every day in detail.
There are different types of content that can come from a range of sources.
Client Content is the content written and provided by the client, something you can add to the design without having to write it yourself. The client would send over something like a word document with the content in it presented in a simple way.
Self Generated content is just content that you write yourself from scratch, for example when creating a website for yourself you would need to write all the content to go into it.
User Generated Content is content created by the users of the app. Like youtube or twitter, almost all the content you see there is created and uploaded by the users.
Content Curation is the process of sorting through the vast amounts of content on the web and presenting it in a meaningful and organised way around a specific theme. The work involves sifting, sorting, arranging and publishing information. -Beth Kanter
Seamless
Great content works hand in hand with the design. Ideally, users shouldn’t even notice the copy in an interface—unless it’s adding personality or making the brand stand out in a clever way. The goal is for content to feel like it’s part of the design, not something that sticks out awkwardly.
Clear and Valuable
Every word in a user interface should earn its place. Good copy adds value by persuading users to take action, simplifying navigation, building brand awareness, or giving clear instructions. Well-thought-out content makes interfaces more accessible and helps build trust with users.
On Brand
Content isn’t just about being functional—it’s a chance to reinforce the brand’s voice. A good content designer will use a style guide (or create one if it doesn’t exist) to ensure the tone is consistent across the interface. This helps the brand feel more authentic and recognisable, which goes a long way in building trust.
Persuasive