These guidelines apply to all digital products developed by Elia Group, including software, applications, and tools used by internal clients, other Elia Group branches, industry partners, external companies, and other actors in the European energy sector. They will eventually cover all aspects of UX writing and content design, from microcopy to comprehensive documentation.
Elia Group operates in the energy sector primarily in Belgium and Germany, with a growing presence across Europe.
Why These Guidelines Matter
Good UX writing goes unnoticed. When interface text is clear and intuitive, users focus on their tasks rather than deciphering instructions. These guidelines help you create that seamless experience.
Living, Evolving Standards
Writing guidelines are acknowledged as evolving entities, not immutable rules. They interact with the world, encounter new ideas, and adapt to new circumstances. Their authority stems from convenience, practicality, and efficiency.
When in doubt, apply common sense, use best practices consistently, and value user feedback to challenge theoretical rules with practical application.
Objective, Scope & Context
The Subjective Nature of Writing Rules
Writing guidelines are subjective conventions, not natural laws. Given that English as a Second Language (ESL) speakers constitute the majority of the Elia Group workforce, these guidelines prioritize user understanding, practicality, common sense, aesthetics, and concision over irrelevant traditional standards.
Bottom line: When regulations, science, technology, and other imperatives aren't involved, these guidelines favour common sense and practicality over traditional rules.
Objective
Nova's UX Writing Guidelines are designed to ensure consistency, clarity, and effectiveness in all written communications within Elia Group's digital products. These guidelines contribute to a cohesive user experience across applications and tools, reflecting the brand's values and voice with consistency.
Scope
These guidelines apply to all digital products developed by Elia Group, including software, applications, and tools used by internal clients, other branches of Elia Group, industry partners, external companies, and other actors in the European energy sector.
In time, they will cover all aspects of UX writing and content design, from microcopy to comprehensive documentation.
Context
Elia Group operates in the energy sector, primarily in Belgium and Germany, with a growing presence across Europe. Our digital products range from Single Sign-on apps to grid operation, maintenance and development software, as well as data science, IT & Infrastructure solutions, R&D applications and other technologies.
UX Writing & Microcopy
Both UX Writing and UI Microcopy play a crucial role in enhancing the user experience by providing clarity, reducing friction, and ensuring accessibility.
- UX Writing focuses on the creation of clear, concise, and user-centric content for digital interfaces that optimize both usability and user experience.
- UI Microcopy specifically refers to short bits of text that guide users through an interface, such as button labels, error messages, and tooltips.
The 3 Laws of Simple Writing
Feel free to use this personal transcreation of François Boileau's famous alexandrine as a reminder of UX Writing fundamentals:
Solid thoughts speak clearly, Stated nice and easy.
Use plain, common language
Write UI text in short, scannable segments that focus on a limited number of concepts at a time. Avoid jargon unless it is industry-specific and well-known among the target audience.
Be direct
Use clear and concise language. Avoid unnecessary words and complex sentences.
Use active voice
Use active voice to make sentences more direct and dynamic.
About EU English
EU English is mostly similar to UK English.
The use of British English spelling in digital interfaces aligns with EU regulations on consistency, clarity, and standardised communication.
British English is widely understood across the EU, ensuring accessible communication with stakeholders across Elia Group, the energy industry and regulatory bodies.
Resources and references
The Publications Office of the European Union provides resources that serve EU institutions and Regulated European companies, including Transmission System Operators (TSOs) like Elia Group: