Do you use right terms for user authentication?

Updated by Tiago Araújo [SSW] 1 year ago. See history

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User authentication

While ❌ "Log in" has been widely used in the past, modern applications tend to prefer ✅ "Sign in". The term is widely recognized, intuitive, and aligns with current user expectations.

Note: The term "Login" as a noun (no spaces) is still widely used in content, often interchangeably with the term "Username".

Warning: It's advised to steer clear of using ❌ "Logon". This term, although it may have historical roots, has fallen out of favor and could potentially confuse users. Opting for more widely accepted alternatives ensures a smoother user experience.

User account creation

When prompting users to create accounts, ❌ "Sign up" can sometimes be confused with "Sign in". To avoid this, ✅ "Register" or ✅ "Create account" can offer clearer direction and convey a greater sense of formality and commitment.

Note: ✅ "Join" is a versatile term that can be suitable, depending on the context. For instance, it works well when inviting users to become part of a group or community.


Always align terminology with the expectations and preferences of your target audience to create a more intuitive and consistent user experience.

Acknowledgements

Adam Cogan
Matt Goldman
Tiago Araujo
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