Back
Labelling refers to the use of clear, consistent text to describe elements in an app—like buttons, fields, or menus—so users instantly understand what each part of the interface does.
Why It Matters
Why Founders Should Care About This Term:
- Improves user navigation and reduces confusion, leading to smoother onboarding
- Reduces support tickets and user errors by making features self-explanatory
- Enhances accessibility and compliance with usability standards
- Increases conversions by clearly communicating actions like “Buy Now” or “Sign Up”
Use This Term When...
- You're working on UI/UX design or wireframes
- You're reviewing prototype copy with your design team
- You're testing user flows for clarity and ease of use
- You're auditing accessibility or localization
Real-World Example
In one of our projects, we revised app interface labelling to replace jargon with user-friendly terms during usability testing. For example, changing ‘Submit Request’ to ‘Book Appointment’ led to a 15% increase in form completions.
Founder Insight
Many founders overlook labelling during early design, but it’s one of the fastest ways to boost usability without coding. Bad labels confuse users; good ones guide them.
Key Metrics / Concepts
- Click-Through Rate (CTR) – Can improve with clearer labels on calls to action
- Task Success Rate – Measures how often users complete a task, influenced by label clarity
- Time on Task – Drops when users find the right option faster thanks to effective labelling
Tools & Technologies
- Figma – Used for testing and iterating on labels in UI mockups
- Hotjar – Helps reveal where users get confused via click and heatmaps
- Google Optimize – A/B tests label variations to find what performs best
What’s Next / Future Trends
AI tools are beginning to auto-suggest optimized labels based on behavior data and language models. Expect more intelligent interfaces that adapt language to user profiles and preferences.
Related Terms
- Labeling – Alternate spelling (American English); ensure consistency across your UX and content design.
- UI Design – Labelling is a core element of interface design, directly impacting usability and clarity.
- UX Design – Effective labelling contributes to a user’s ability to navigate and understand the app.
- Accessibility – Proper labelling is essential for screen readers and inclusive app experiences.
- Heuristics Check – One of Nielsen’s usability heuristics involves clear system status and visibility, which good labelling supports.
Helpful Videos / Articles / Pages
Call to Action
Not sure if your app labels are helping or hurting? Book a discovery call — we’ll walk you through a UX review and get it right.