Writing principles
Explore the core values that shape how we write across the Tendoo product and brand.
Writing principles
Great writing builds trust, reduces confusion, and makes every experience with Tendoo feel effortless. These principles help guide content decisions across our interfaces, documentation, and communication.
They’re not rules — they’re values. Use them to shape tone, style, and clarity in every piece of content.
✨ Be Clear
- Use simple, everyday language
- Say exactly what the user needs to know — no more, no less
- Avoid jargon, buzzwords, or over-explaining
✅ “Your file has been uploaded.”
🚫 “The file upload process has been successfully completed.”
🧠 Be Purposeful
- Every word should serve a goal: guide, explain, confirm, or prompt
- Keep things short — cut anything that doesn’t help the user
✅ “Try again”
🚫 “There was an error that requires your attention in order to continue.”
💬 Be Human
- Write like a person, not a machine
- Use contractions, friendly phrasing, and a warm tone
- Let empathy shape the message — especially in errors or empty states
✅ “Something went wrong — let’s try again.”
🚫 “An unknown system error has occurred.”
🔄 Be Consistent
- Use consistent terminology, tone, and punctuation across the product
- Reuse common patterns (e.g., “Sign in,” “Learn more,” “Try again”)
- Follow guidance from our UI Text, Grammar, and Mechanic pages
🧩 Be Inclusive
- Avoid assumptions about the user’s abilities, background, or identity
- Write for accessibility and translation from the start
- Check alignment with Accessibility Writing and Localization
✅ “Choose a username”
🚫 “Your real name”
📎 Related
These writing principles are here to help you communicate clearly and kindly — so that every word in Tendoo feels like part of one thoughtful, user-first system.