Solstice

Language & Inclusivity

Actionable language in interface elements such as links, buttons, and headings play a crucial role in guiding users through a workflow. The words chosen shape how users perceive and use our tools to complete their tasks. Clear and concise actionable language helps our users understand and take action.

Inclusive language is paramount in fostering a welcoming and respectful digital environment and ensures that all users feel respected, represented, and included at the University of Washington.

Actionable Language

When crafting language for labels, links, buttons, and headings, it's important to choose between active over passive terminology. Active language instills a sense of immediacy and clarity. Active verbs communicate a direct call to action, making it evident to users what steps they should take next. Passive language, on the other hand, tends to be more ambiguous and can create confusion regarding user expectations.

Choose active language

  • Clarity: Active language leaves no room for misinterpretation. Users can quickly grasp the intended action.
  • Engagement: Active verbs inspire users to take immediate and intentional actions, fostering a more dynamic user experience.
  • Empowerment: Users feel in control and empowered when presented with clear, actionable language.

When creating labels:

Do
Opt for verbs that clearly indicate the user's next action
Submit application
Don’t
do this..
Application submission

Buttons are key elements in driving user interactions.

Do
Choose active verbs that resonate with the intended action
Don’t
do this..

Buttons need to be clear and predictable. Users should be able to anticipate what will happen when they select a button. Mislabeling a button causes confusion.

Headings set the tone for a section and can guide users on what to expect.

Do
Use active language to create impactful headings
Create and manage your academic plan
Don’t
do this..
Academic plan creation and management

Best Practices

Heading and subheadings

Headings and subheadings help users identify their place, understand how things are organized, predict what actions they can take.

Heading and subheadings should be concise and scannable:

  • Use simple, clear language
  • Keep headings to a single sentence
  • Avoid using punctuation such as periods, commas, or semicolons
  • Write in sentence case (capitalize the first word and proper nouns only)

Buttons

Buttons should always lead with a strong verb that encourages action. To provide enough context, use the content formula {verb} + {noun} on buttons, except in the case of common actions like “Done,” “Close,” “Cancel,” or “OK.”

Do
Use the content formula {verb} + {noun} on buttons
Don’t
Avoid using "new" with "Create" or "Add"
Do
Provide clear context of user action
Don’t
Missing context of user action

Links

Links serve as essential navigation elements. Effective and actionable language is crucial to guide users seamlessly through task completion.

Do
Be descriptive
View course schedule
Don’t
Avoid link text that doesn't provide enough description
Click Here
Do
Align with user goals
Apply for financial aid
Don’t
Avoid ambiguous language that lacks a specific user action
Financial Aid Information
Do
Utilize contextual language
Explore Biology programs
Don’t
Failure to provide context creates confusion of intended link destination
Explore programs
Do
Use consistent terminology
Submit enrollment form
Don’t
Avoid using different words for the same action
Complete form
Don’t
Avoid redudancy
Click Here to Download Syllabus

Prioritize Accessibility: Ensure link text is descriptive and meaningful (see sample #1 above) in order to assist users who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies.

Following these practices ensure a user-friendly and efficient experience for students, faculty, and staff.

List of resources:

Inclusivity

Inclusive language is paramount in fostering a welcoming and respectful digital environment and ensures that all users feel respected, represented, and included at the University of Washington. This document outlines the significance of inclusive language in user interface design and clarifies its application within our university community context.

What is Inclusive Language?

Inclusive language refers to language choices that avoid stereotypes, biases, or exclusions based on identity characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other relevant factor. It encompasses:

  • Using gender-neutral terminology.
  • Prioritizing person-first language.
  • Acknowledging and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Avoiding assumptions or stereotypes based on identity markers.
  • Avoiding idioms, jargons, and acronyms.

Importance of Inclusive Language

Inclusive language is integral to the University of Washington's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It serves several key purposes:

  • Reflecting Diversity: Inclusive language acknowledges and respects the diverse identities, backgrounds, and experiences of our university community members.
  • Promoting Belonging: It cultivates a sense of belonging and inclusivity among all users, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, ability, or other identity markers.
  • Enhancing Accessibility: Inclusive language contributes to the accessibility of our digital platforms by ensuring that content is understandable and relatable to all users.
  • Aligning with Values: By prioritizing inclusive language, we uphold the university's values of equity, respect, and social justice.

Best Practices

Prioritize Gender Neutrality

Do
User gender neutral terms
their
First-year students
Don’t
Avoid using specific genders when referring to more than one
his or her
freshemen

Design for all levels of ability

Do
Use terms specific to the action not the user
Display your schedule
Play video
Don’t
Avoid terms that imply a specific user ability
See your schedule
Watch video

Race, Ethnicity, Nationality, Religion, Native/Indigenous Identity:

Do
Use inclusive language
Students from various cultural backgrounds
Don’t
Avoid outdated terms
Minority students
Last updated by Diego Bejarano