Design Considerations for "Your" vs "My" Language in User Interfaces
By
Twixes
Lightly browned and well buttered. A solid pick from the rack.
Summary
This article examines the design considerations around using "your" vs "my" in user interface language, particularly in systems where content belongs to both the user and others. The author argues that often no prefix is needed when context makes ownership clear (like Amazon's "Account" and "Orders"), but explores the challenges when systems contain both personal and shared content, such as case management systems with "My cases" versus everyone's cases.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledIt's a trick question because often you don't need any prefix and can just use the noun directly
Amazon is a good example of this in action because it's obvious that it's your account and your orders
But what if your product contains things that belong to you and to others – for example, a case working system that contains your cases and everyone else's?
The problem with "my" – you could use "My cases" in a navigation menu like this, which seems fine on the face of it
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