Posted: February 7th, 2011 | Author: ktcita | Filed under: language, user experience | Tags: B&B, Corte Balduini, Lecce | No Comments »
I was recently requested to write a review on Qype of a B&B* I stayed at in Italy. I was impressed with the manner in which Qype asked me for my review: “write as if talking to a good friend (in front of your mother)”. This prompt for more ‘natural language’ was a friendly way of making sure that Qype reviewers are not tempted to write in an overly formal manner. The Qype content, therefore, remains friendly, open and approachable.

text on Qype asking for review in natural language
*it’s a great B&B btw if you are ever in the Lecce area
Posted: April 11th, 2010 | Author: ktcita | Filed under: language, user experience | Tags: login, registration, sign in, sign up | No Comments »
There are plenty of great examples on the web of how companies use certain styles of language to brand their customer’s experience. This is one I came across recently in on Pattern Tap: an irreverent take on the usually boring ID process that doesn’t, I think, take away from the seriousness of the sign in process. Perhaps it would not be appropriate say for a company with an older audience for whom carding might be a long-forgotten experience, but for a younger audience, I think this language is spot on.


I am working on a job at the moment that requires a user to sign in before redeeming loyalty benefits. The problem is that the company’s standard sign in is dry, and completely lacking in any of the character that the company is known for. I am hoping to get a chance to talk to those responsible and urge them to vamp up their sign in process a little.