Here’s why using real content is better than Lorem Ipsum, as designers wanting to achieve the most perfect-looking prototype, it’s almost impossible to resist inserting exactly the right amount of copy that makes our design look perfectly symmetrical and organised.
What is Lorem Ipsum?
Lorem Ipsum is dummy text used by publishers and designers when the original copy is not available. They use it to keep the work flow going and to get clients approval on designs and are known as default text “filer”.
Problems of using Lorem Ipsum
It’s hard to design something you don’t understand, and having insignificant content contribute in creating a customised experience.
Lorem Ipsum is a way of delaying decisions about content.
Real content is better
Having real content or similar content will end up using in a working software related field, similar length and bring tone of voice.
Don’t delay content because you’re struggling to fill in the blanks. Research on something to input in, test and get some quick feedback. Iterate until you get it right.
Get valuable feedback
The content should relevant to your product and users. When they are able to read the content, they will give you feedback about the copy and how they feel about it. The content will communicate and bring the tone of voice that makes people trust your platform.
Sometimes people you are testing with will questions things that you haven’t even thought about. They will provide you examples of similar things they use that might help you in your design. With Lorem Ipsum, you won’t get any of that.
Adapt the design to the text length not the opposite
Since no one understands Latin nowadays, designers tend to cut the Lorem Ipsum text to fit their designs nicely and tidy. Sometimes content may have different size and you might have restrictions on the amount of words.
When you use real content you can’t select the words that fit your layout. You are forced to think deeper and adapt your layout to your content. Make sure you design for different sizes and think about restrictions and cases of usage.
Tips on getting real content
- Get your clients involved
- Use your client partners
- Use their competitors content
- Get or ask for resources from your testers
Something else to suggest? Drop us a note
At Krome, we specialise in website design and development services. If you or your client are interested in creating a site, it’s time to tell us about your project or have a chat about what we can do. You can contact us here.