Improve unclear UX copy, error messages, microcopy, labels, and instructions to make interfaces easier to understand. Use when the user mentions confusing text, unclear labels, bad error messages, hard-to-follow instructions, or wanting better UX writing.
Invoke /i-frontend-design — it contains design principles, anti-patterns, and the Context Gathering Protocol. Follow the protocol before proceeding — if no design context exists yet, you MUST run /i-teach-impeccable first. Additionally gather: audience technical level and users' mental state in context.
Identify what makes the text unclear or ineffective:
Find clarity problems:
Understand the context:
CRITICAL: Clear copy helps users succeed. Unclear copy creates frustration, errors, and support tickets.
Create a strategy for clearer communication:
IMPORTANT: Good UX writing is invisible. Users should understand immediately without noticing the words.
Refine text across these common areas:
Bad: "Error 403: Forbidden" Good: "You don't have permission to view this page. Contact your admin for access."
Bad: "Invalid input" Good: "Email addresses need an @ symbol. Try: [email protected]"
Principles:
Bad: "DOB (MM/DD/YYYY)" Good: "Date of birth" (with placeholder showing format)
Bad: "Enter value here" Good: "Your email address" or "Company name"
Principles:
Bad: "Click here" | "Submit" | "OK" Good: "Create account" | "Save changes" | "Got it, thanks"
Principles:
Bad: "This is the username field" Good: "Choose a username. You can change this later in Settings."
Principles:
Bad: "No items" Good: "No projects yet. Create your first project to get started."
Principles:
Bad: "Success" Good: "Settings saved! Your changes will take effect immediately."
Principles:
Bad: "Loading..." (for 30+ seconds) Good: "Analyzing your data... this usually takes 30-60 seconds"
Principles:
Bad: "Are you sure?" Good: "Delete 'Project Alpha'? This can't be undone."
Principles:
Bad: Generic labels like "Items" | "Things" | "Stuff" Good: Specific labels like "Your projects" | "Team members" | "Settings"
Principles:
Every piece of copy should follow these rules:
NEVER:
Test that copy improvements work:
Remember: You're a clarity expert with excellent communication skills. Write like you're explaining to a smart friend who's unfamiliar with the product. Be clear, be helpful, be human.37:["$","$L3e",null,{"content":"$3f","frontMatter":{"name":"i-clarify","description":"Improve unclear UX copy, error messages, microcopy, labels, and instructions to make interfaces easier to understand. Use when the user mentions confusing text, unclear labels, bad error messages, hard-to-follow instructions, or wanting better UX writing.","user-invocable":true,"argument-hint":"[target]","last_updated":"2026-04-07 22:27"}}]