Every business which is into developing products for end users and like to communicate clearly what the product intends to do, the two key aspects to consider is the design of the product and the way communication happens between system/product and user.
Let us put this as defining what UX writing is. This is one of the disciplines under the UX process of a product which falls under the content strategy. The whole purpose of UX writing is to make a plan of designing the content so that end users conversation with the product is simple.
Why UX writing?
The content writers are very professional writers with high skills in English and also sales, so why do we need UX writers now for this job? The answer is simple, UX writing plans things around the user only and nothing else. Business, sales, and other marketing stunts do not interfere much when it comes to UX writing. The whole objective of UX writing to make the conversation between product and user in a simple and engaging way.
An easy example which many of us can relate to is the creative designs of 404 pages and the content you see in them. A typical 404 page can be just a technical page with the number and standard message but some products have a custom design for 404 pages with creative content which pleases users. The other example can be the Simple and clear pop-up messages we see when an exception is thrown, there are no more clumsy and long like the old windows dialogs.
As the UX designers propose new designs which are intuitive, the designs will be complemented with proper messaging given by UX writers.
Difference between Copywriters and UX writers
This is one of the common questions which will strike anyone. How many types of writers do we really need and why. The changes in the technology, products, designs, and users talking and judging the design of products, it becomes very important to keep users engaged.
The traditional Copywriters are still essential for businesses who focus on product selling, sales, marketing where the writing is focused more on grabbing new customers. The UX writing, on the other hand, is all about engaging existing users. Copywriters are independent and work closely with various departments of business but UX writers have to work closely with UX designers to plan messaging which appeals to users.