How to Get Into UX Writing

How to become a UX writer. Everything you need to know in less than 20 minutes.
Make sure you get my FREE book on Amazon worldwide: UX Writing for Beginners.
Get portfolio reviews and coaching at www.uxhewrote.com/hire-me
Buy me a coffee at: buymeacoffee.com/uxhewrote
Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:44 - My experience
1:50 - What makes a good UX writer
3:18 - Advice for writers
4:59 - What to learn
9:08 - Online courses
11:52 - Self study
13:23 - Where to build a portfolio
14:04 - What to put in your portfolio
14:54 - Finding commercial work
16:04 - Targeted case studies
17:01 - Outro
Here are all the links:
Laws of UX
lawsofux.com/
Nielsen Norman Group
www.nngroup.com/
My Medium article
uxdesign.cc/ux-writing-exerci...
UX Writing Hub
course.uxwritinghub.com/free_...
Daily UX Writing
dailyuxwriting.com/
UX Content Collective
uxcontent.com/uxwc-the-fundam...
IDF
www.interaction-design.org/
User Experience Design Fundamentals
www.udemy.com/course/user-exp...
Complete Web Design from Figma to Webflow to Freelancing
www.udemy.com/course/freelanc...
#ux #uxwriting #uxwriter #uxdesign #contentdesign

[@UXHeWrote]

Should you take a $10k design bootcamp? Check out this video to find out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJCZf6OMbd6FkMk

[@munnachak2138]

😢😅😢😅

[@killaz325]

You can notice that this guy is an excellent UX Writer since everything in this video is so well said, substantive and easy to understand :)

[@UXHeWrote]

😅 Such kind words!

[@rysbow]

Glad to see a channel focused on UX writing instead of design for a change. Great content! Keep up the good work.

[@joegrist1108]

Received a job offer for a UX Writing job, and I have been a Copy Editor/Copy Writer for one of the big 5 tech companies (that I don't feel comfortable naming) thanks for this overview! Helped me slightly prep for a interview or questions.

[@UXHeWrote]

That's great to hear!

[@mosalahisaking3525]

I just got intern opportunity as junior UX writer in a healthcare multinational company. Your vid is my first guide. Thank you.

[@UXHeWrote]

That's great! 👍

[@Taskade]

Amazing video. Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible. :)

[@UXHeWrote]

Glad you enjoyed it! I hope it helps.

[@lanresalau461]

Nice quote! In the context of becoming a UX Writer, what's necessary? I believe I have the empathy part sorted. I already apply it in content writing. Looking forward to replies. Thanks.

[@MichaelMilton1]

Content so good, I'm commenting on Christmas day! Advice for writers at 3:18 was particularly useful and interesting. Keep up the videos, they are definitely going to help lots of people!

[@amrutajategaonkar5312]

This was the best dive into UX writing I came across! Grateful to have landed here😍👌

[@MrJayspeaks]

Nailed it. Thanks for the upload!

[@mimichen123]

Thank you for sharing such an awesome guide on how to be a UX writer! I honestly did not know such a role existed and now I am very curious about it. Will watch your other videos to learn more!

[@loricobbs422]

Your video was right on time with where I am on my self-study journey. You filled in several blanks for me and sharpened my strategy. Thank you so much! Can't wait to watch more!

[@shuguotang8968]

Great content! Thank you for sharing!

[@sinddev]

This is a great video! A person like me who’s just starting to know what’s UX writing and how to self learn, this video is much more helpful. Thanks more.

[@DiegoOlivasArana]

Great video! I'm a journalist and I've been working as a translator and localization game tester for a while. I'm really tired of these kind of jobs and lately thinking of going towards UX Writing. This video really helps a lot as an introduction, congratulations and please keep up the great work!

[@kesangdk]

Thank you. Awesome video, great tips and well delivered.. thank you!

[@dafni]

An accurate and reasoned video that communicates matter-of-factly, just like an excellent UX writer should communicate. Kudos!!

[@lanresalau461]

This is good info. Thanks a lot.

[@macarmen_mx8004]

Amazing video!!! It helped me a lot to know how to start, thanks! I really want to learn about UX Writing. I already subscribed to the channel and I look forward to more content.

[@rolabousalehar4418]

Thanks... you were so helpful.

[@JakeRichardsong]

Useful, thanks.

[@connormalone4700]

Hey just wanted to thank you! Your video is rich with information. I recently graduated from UX Content Collective and would say it’s equipped me to move into the field. Read the books! All of them. I’m at the final stage of an interview and am feeling confident. If you love UX writing, your passion with shine through.

[@UXHeWrote]

How did you like the course? Good look with the interviews! Keep us posted.

[@lawrencenwokolo8722]

Thank you alot for this video, it have me a background of UX writing

[@SzymonAdamus]

Great content. Thanks.

[@przemkhu84]

Very helpful hints. Just about everything I needed at this point to probe the ground and get started! Thank you! :)

[@UXHeWrote]

You're very welcome!

[@alejandrocastillo5025]

I really appreciate this video since it helped me reassure the decision I made about pursuing a career in this field. I have already finished a UX UI Design course and I loved it, however, when I learned about UX Writing it was almost love at first sight. This is because I also studied foreign languages & linguistics (didn't finish, tho), and for the first time I felt I could use that knowledge for something else besides translating, teaching, or being exploited by a customer service call center. Thank you!

[@UXHeWrote]

Studying languages sets you up perfectly for UX writing!

[@SAY22553]

Bro where did you study ux writer course

[@tezordedam]

I've been all over KZbin for UX Writing videos and this is genuinely the mose useful 👍

[@UXHeWrote]

🙏Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

[@facesofthefrontier4574]

This is sooo insightful! taking notes! thank you!

[@abhimanyusingh6801]

Thanks a lot sir! I must say all the tips were practical, actionable and useful. Really insightful session. Please keep on making more content like this. 🙌

[@UXHeWrote]

Thanks! There's more coming, don't worry!

[@seancrowe3353]

Excellent quality video

[@boyhollow]

What a fantastic video. Thank you!

[@UXHeWrote]

Glad you liked it!

[@jewel7231]

So glad I found your channel! I'm not really into writing but when I started designing applications and websites, I didn't know what to put into my design and using lorem ipsum placeholder text kills the overall feel of the app/website. So I knew I had to do something. The UX practice in our country is still at its infancy and research is not given much thought let alone UX writing. Also, it was hard to find helpful content and courses about UX writing, so I'm really glad to see a channel that focuses on this field! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us. Looking forward to more of your content! Also, I kinda get distracted on your background. Are those cats with bread on their head? It's so cute!

[@UXHeWrote]

They're shiba inu dogs with their heads stuck in various objects. 😅 Also, glad you enjoyed the content. UX writing is not very mature anywhere right now, that's why I started this channel. I hope to get some time to make some more videos soon!

[@Flora_GrootIQ]

Amazing Video. Unique content is helpful to keenly understand about UX writing and transalate exact role of UX Writer.

[@richaranjan1983]

Thanks for sharing such informative content. You covered everything beginners would want to know and need to take the next step. I'm definitely intrigued and motivated to explore the UX side of things.

[@UXHeWrote]

That's great news! Make sure you get my free book and templates as well! UX Writing for Beginners

[@lepababy270]

awesome advice, thank you for this!

[@UXHeWrote]

You're very welcome. I hope it helps!

[@saoodsait1412]

Thank you for this valuable insight

[@UXHeWrote]

You're more than welcome. I hope it helps!

[@bianevaristo]

I really enojoyed your video! You kept it simple, realistic and entertaining

[@UXHeWrote]

Glad you liked it!

[@NK-yb8cx]

Thank you! I really appreciate the info about free courses and self-study. It's been disheartening trying to pursue this without the money to spend on it, but this is really helpful and gives me hope!

[@UXHeWrote]

I have a free book coming out soon so keep an eye out for that!

[@AbdelRahmanElMawawi]

Great, precise, and useful. Thanks for sharing these thought-provoking tips. You can say I started where you did and ended up as a copywriter and digital content manager. Now I am on the way to becoming a UX one. Thanks again!

[@UXHeWrote]

I bet quite a few of us came from translation. We make great UX writers! 😄

[@mr.oscarpadilla]

Excellent intro to UX writing, I am going to start myself, I will start with a free course to get more familiar with it, I've been on the localization/translation industry in big tech for seven years now and want to up my game an get better opportunities. Thank you, I am glad KZbin put your channel on my feed. Cheers from San Francisco!

[@UXHeWrote]

Well, you're in the right place to find a job in UX writing if you're in SF! Good luck!

[@Make_This_Day_Great]

What a boon this video is. I’m a junior ux writer and found this incredibly informative. Thanks !

[@UXHeWrote]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chairunisatijje2066]

This is one of a hella great video, sir!

[@UXHeWrote]

Thanks!

[@charlessmalls1260]

SaaS Content writer and Copywriter here looking to break into UX writing!

[@UXHeWrote]

Hey Charles, if you're already working on digital products the move will hopefully be a bit easier and smoother! Good look with the transition.

[@soniaassila4299]

Thank you for this ! I just graduated with a BS in communication and I am very interested in the UX writing path so i will be binging your videos !

[@UXHeWrote]

Glad you enjoyed it! I hope it helps in some way.

[@LifeLatelyWithPhoenix]

Found this video very useful and subscribed right away! Gave me all the information I've been looking for, for a while now, regarding getting started as a UX Writer. Saved for later, because I'll definitely be watching more than a few times. Thank you so much!

[@UXHeWrote]

You're very welcome!

[@adeolatv.3679]

If you don't mind. I will like to know if you've started your learning?

[@TheSoundofTanay]

Thanks a million-ton for this! I am currently looking for work, specifically in this area. Doing a Master's in Behavioural Science on the side certainly helps with the empathy part :D

[@UXHeWrote]

That sounds really cool. I think that would be a huge help getting into a UX-related role!

[@ImmortalExplorer]

Great video mate.

[@UXHeWrote]

Thanks 👍

[@njengathegeek]

This is incredible

[@UXHeWrote]

Thank you!

[@akapotemitopeoluwabridget9523]

Your video has the most quality information. I have been trying to get my foot in the door for a while, this video just confirmed that I am on the right path and I could be doing better. Thank you!

[@UXHeWrote]

I'm glad it helped!

[@kaobimdi]

Please can we go on this UX writing journey together? Like accountability partners or something

[@nolannernberg4627]

I'm looking into possibly freelancing as a UX writer so this info is helpful. Thanks!

[@UXHeWrote]

Glad you found it useful!

[@Paul-cl3qq]

Wow, thanks!

[@UXHeWrote]

You're very welcome

[@megan.a.purvis]

Wonderful video! You're offering some incredibly useful tips. Also, I read your bio and discovered you lived in China! I'm a 11-year Beijinger myself. Can't wait for more of your content.

[@UXHeWrote]

Hey! Are you still in China?

[@megan.a.purvis]

@@UXHeWrote Yes, but unfortunately I'm leaving in a week.

[@luyandanelana8911]

This video is exactly what I need right now! Thank you so much for the advice. I am transitioning from English teacher/curriculum designer but I've always wanted to be a writer. Just subscribed :)

[@UXHeWrote]

Glad it helped, Luyanda. Best of luck with the transition!

[@homeland7787]

Thank you so much for this, I'm currently working as a Content/UX Writer and the lines are blurring.

[@mariacristinascarano4608]

Thanks a lot! Inspring, clear and genuinely video... I've a question: how variegated the UW case studies in my portfolio should be? I have experience only in website contents creation.

[@UXHeWrote]

When I do portfolio reviews the advice I give people is to ensure they vary in terms of what skills, approaches, or techniques you used. It doesn't matter if they're all for web content, but each project should show something different you did in the process (not just different words).

[@Sha-Ne-Ru]

This is brilliant, cause I'm in the same boat! studied a foreign language and currently translating, so would love to make the jump to UX Writing^ Also attempting to learn Copywriting and reviewing psychology and other human subjects 😂 But UX writing and design are my aim! Brilliant video!

[@UXHeWrote]

I think it's a good way in, especially since it's very competitive now. Good luck!

[@gregyoung9980]

Great video. I want to double down on your point at 9:55 that companies only want to see your portfolio - that is absolutely true, companies don't give a damn about certifications. They want to know if you can do the job, if you can speak the language, if you can communicate well, and - perhaps most importantly - are you confident in yourself. Heck, just use the phrase "UX Writer" in your resume, and you'll get attention from recruiters. How you sell yourself after that is all up to you ;-)

[@UXHeWrote]

Haha, so true. And some great advice!

[@RichardBaileyJr]

Thank you for sharing these highly valuable tips and I hope that your channel gains a ton of new subscribers over time. Over a year ago, I took on a contract job as a web content writer for a company. Within that time, I have had to familiarize myself with not just writing content but also working with UX designers and coming up with error messages and other forms of content to help improve the overall user experience. I’m now starting to hear about various Content Design opportunities. What would your advice be to someone contemplating content design and ux writing opportunities and do you feel these opportunities go hand in hand with each other? Thanks again for your videos and you have gained a guaranteed subscriber for life.

[@UXHeWrote]

Thanks for the kind words, and good question! If it was up to me, I would retire the term "UX writer" altogether in favour of "content designer". I know that will upset some people though. The terms are used interchangeably already and it's getting as bad as UX design and product design. Some companies expect UX designers to do the entire design, including UI. Some expect them to be able to code. The problem is no two jobs are the same, even if they both say "UX writer". I've been a UX writer and still handled some marketing content, SEO, Google ad words, etc. I often tell people I'm a content designer actually. I think it's a lot easier for people to understand, plus, I do a lot more than just write the text for the buttons. Even if that was what you were hired to do as a UX writer, you should be aiming for more. You should be involved in the design process. And so that's why I think we should all be marketing ourselves as content designers. Otherwise the field has stagnated and we'll all struggle to get a seat at the table, or worse, it will be absorbed back into design and they'll just have a designer do the writing. I read an article on Medium a while back and it made the distinction that content designers (as opposed to UX writers) should feel confident raising their hands if they think copy is the wrong way to solve a problem. Honestly...you should be doing that as a UX writer too. You don't need the title of content designer to be involved in design. Back to your question though. I'm not sure what the difference is between the UX writing and content design jobs you've been looking at. Maybe the content design jobs are...copywriting (it happens, and makes the whole naming problem even messier). Have a look at what's expected from the role rather than just looking at the job title. See if there's something that you'd be interested in specialising in, because I think it's good to try and carve out your own niche, whether that's UX, usability, SAAS products, the travel industry, etc.

[@Anusorn007]

Great Video! I am interested in the UX Writer job. Currently, I'm a content writer on a media website and a translator. I am going forward to moving to a UX writer career.

[@UXHeWrote]

As a former translator myself, I think this is a logical transition. Good luck!

[@cro1053]

Great video. I am a graphic designer looking to get into ux writing. When you are checking someone's portfolio out, what are negatives and positives that stand out for you? Ty!

[@UXHeWrote]

There can't be any obvious errors, like spelling mistakes. That's a bit of a red flag. We all make mistakes but you've got to be careful with portfolios. I need to see the thinking behind the writing. It doesn't have to be what I would write, but it needs to show that you've put thought into it beyond just the writing itself.

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

I really needed this. I applied for a UX writer job this week and even with 20 years of writing experience and a Google UX certificate, and even though the job only had TWO applicants in 30 days, I just got a “Sorry, you’re not a good fit” email. I was just… 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@UXHeWrote]

Yeah it can be tough to get into. But don't let that stop you! Make sure you have some UX content examples in your portfolio. How was the Google course?

[@ednaljt]

Loved this! Thank you for the tips. Do you have any socials we can follow? 😊

[@UXHeWrote]

Not yet I'm afraid. 😁

[@asdasdasdasda8899]

I am shifting my job from a traditional writer to a ux writer. This vid helps a lot. thank you so much! btw is it possible for you to show how the actual daily work of UX writing looks like?

[@UXHeWrote]

Yeah, I might do that video if people would find it interesting.

[@facesofthefrontier4574]

@@UXHeWrote Definitely! like a 'shadow me at work' kind of format would be actually great :)

[@DontBeAfraid100]

Currently in a small startup, doing some UX Writing among other content writing. In tje portfolio, is it best to have a kind of before-and-after, once you've implemented your text? Or is only showing your finished product best?

[@UXHeWrote]

Depends on the project. If it's a redesign it's nice to show a before and after I think. The focus needs to be on showing your thinking more than screenshots. When hiring, I want to see how you arrived at that text, not just see it.

[@SAY22553]

Bro is there any institutions for teaching ux writers sepertely everyone tells a out ux designing in my area?

[@considercaption]

FYI: All of the crypto doas and organization need translators. They are usually done by community members and volunteers.

[@Sha-Ne-Ru]

So, Do you consider yourself a UX Writer in both your languages? or do you focus on English more and your other language is just translation-based?

[@UXHeWrote]

I only write in English. I could do it in Chinese, but it's just easier and quicker (and probably better) to have a native speaker do it in Chinese.

[@nayeemarefin2217]

Hi Andy, I read from a well -known source that companies nowadays look for designers first and then writers. Hence a writer would have much less job security. Would you agree with this ?

[@UXHeWrote]

I would say there are fewer jobs for UX writers, but I wouldn't say that affects job security. It's just that a company typically hires more designers than writers.

[@pizzadogma]

Would experience in writing research papers help? It’s usually technical writing, but i do also have experience in creative writing

[@UXHeWrote]

Of course! There's sometimes a bit of crossover between technical writing and UX, depending on the company.

[@oyindamolabashua-alimi2978]

Hello I have a question please What exactly does a recruiter want to see in the portfolio of a Ux writer.

[@UXHeWrote]

That's a difficult question. I'm still working on putting a video or series of videos together. I do also offer portfolio reviews/workshops though my website if you're interested: uxhewrote.com/hire-me

[@kaitlynpottinger634]

Loved this video! Currently a college student considering UX writing as a future career. Do you have any suggestions on what sort of majors/minors could be beneficial for this job?

[@kaitlynpottinger634]

Also is it possible to get mentorships? If so how could I find these opportunities?

[@UXHeWrote]

I'd personally say go down the design route rather than a language route. I'd do that if I could. It's important to be good at the language, but language majors will focus on longform content that wont help you that much. What kind of majors/minors are on offer at your uni?

[@UXHeWrote]

@@kaitlynpottinger634 There are some available online, but not many. You can check out the UX Writing Hub's list: uxwritinghub.com/ux-writing-mentors/

[@kaitlynpottinger634]

@@UXHeWrote For majors, there's digital media with a web & social platforms track (also offered as a minor), graphic design, and technical communication (also offered as a minor). These are just some I thought were relevant. My school also has a UXUI boot camp but it's pricey

[@kaitlynpottinger634]

I dont believe my school has a direct product design major, so any majors related to the study would be helpful :)

[@tylerriggs95]

How do you feel about someone getting into UX Writing taking a traditional UX Design bootcamp? I figured being as well-versed as possible in all stages of the UX Design process would look the best on a resume. I have a traditional writing background and teach it at university.

[@UXHeWrote]

I think the jury is still out on bootcamps. I lean on the side of not recommending them. Especially for a potential UX writer. The idea that 12k dollars and 12 weeks makes you a qualified UX designer seems a bit of a lie to me. I think they take advantage of people hoping to find a quick way in. If money is no object and you have tons of time, sure, it wont hurt. But I’m guessing that’s not the case? It’s like going back to university to do a part time course, both in terms of time and money. And we all know how hard it is for new graduates to find a job. I don’t think a bootcamp makes it that much easier to get into UX design, but I could be wrong, I’ve not done one, and I’m not a designer. That’s a question for the designers on reddit I think. But I think you’ll hear the same from them. Some took a course and it helped them, some took a course and it didn’t help them as much as they thought finding a job, some were self-taught and think bootcamps are overrated. There’s no one right answer for everyone I’m afraid. I just think it’s hard to justify the price when you could self study, take some cheaper online courses, and do your own portfolio, just asking or even paying for feedback from someone in the industry. I honestly think hiring managers would still focus more on the portfolio that a certificate from a bootcamp. If 2 people apply for a job, the person with the better portfolio, design thinking, and ability to answer important questions will get the job. Plus if you’re just wanting to get into UX writing, I think they’re overkill. There are far cheaper UX design courses from reputable bodies that offer certification if that’s what you think will help. And regardless, you’ll still need to show UX writing work in your portfolio.

[@tylerriggs95]

@@UXHeWrote wow, thank you so much for the detailed response. I considered bootcamps mainly after researching a lot of reviews and taking to Reddit for advice. Almost everyone agreed that the portfolio>certificate, and that the bootcamp itself won’t land you a job (much like a degree) but no one regretted taking the bootcamp. They said being submerged in UX through assignments and a community was invaluable. Maybe I’m just trying to sell the idea to myself, since I’m definitely a structured learner. My main concern is the “getting a seat at the table” problem you described and having to backend my UX Design knowledge while focusing on UX Writing to get in.

[@UXHeWrote]

@@tylerriggs95 I don’t doubt some bootcamps are good. But I still think if you’re just looking at UX writing, you’d be better off taking some cheaper online design courses to bolster your UX writing knowledge. That money would be better spent on UX writing courses and materials, and some more reasonably priced UX design courses. Hiring managers are going to want to see your writing, not your designs. If you can put together a nice portfolio, with a case study that shows you understand how your work fits into design, and how design principles affect your work, you’ll already be ahead of a lot of new UX writers. How you gain that understanding is up to you. But I believe a UX bootcamp is overkill. I wouldn't expect it from a writer if I was hiring. Sign up for something like IDF or something similar. Buy the books I recommend in my "5 Books Every UX Writer Should Read" video, and you’ll be on your way. Skip the bootcamps.

[@tylerriggs95]

@@UXHeWrote thank you so much for the responses. They really helped me zone in on what’s the most important (and saved me a lot of money). Got some of those books in the mail now!

[@UXHeWrote]

Here's a very late video response: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJCZf6OMbd6FkMk

[@shaikluqman1344]

please sir, can i have some more ux writing videos?

[@UXHeWrote]

Haha! More coming soon I promise. I'm finishing up work on my free book that will be out soon!

[@shaikluqman1344]

@@UXHeWrote cool, i look forward to that!

[@chelseanunes4535]

What are some good majors to be an ux writer?

[@UXHeWrote]

Good question. I think you could go one of two ways, either the communications/language route, or the design route. Personally, I'd suggest the design route. It's a very competitive field and I think having a design background would really help. BUT, and it's a big BUT, if you love language, study that. Pick something you actually want to study for 4 years. Because you have to do just that, study it for 4 years! If you want to study English or language, or communications, or something completely different, you can still totally get into UX writing. You just need a good portfolio. There is no set route into UX writing. Remember that you'll have to learn UX writing principles yourself outside of college no matter what degree you study. The reason I lean towards design over language is what you'll learn helps differentiates novice UX writers from experts. Novices tend to focus on the words. How do I write this? How do I make this clear? Whereas experts are move involved in the design process itself. Yes they write the words, but they also know enough about product design to offer suggestions about the design and overall logic of the user flow. Learning design will help you gain that type of analytical thinking. In terms of specific degrees, UX design would be best, without a doubt. Then something like human-computer interaction. Anything design related like industrial design would be useful. You could even go the psychology route as some UX designers have. As I said you could go the comms or language route as well. Just remember you'll need to show you can think like a UX writer in your portfolio. When I hire, I don't care too much about how you write (you can learn our style), I care about if you can think logically.

[@ELgeneral-pl9yg]

Can you go from grant writing to UX writing?

[@UXHeWrote]

I don't see why not! You don't need any background in writing. It's like any other skill, it can be learned.

[@brodie2379]

Unrelated but yeah you’re a handsome British man☺️

[@UXHeWrote]

😂

[@QuietQuakerASMR]

Can one become a UX writer without a degree.. or should i start off some place else.

[@UXHeWrote]

I don't see why not. A lot of companies will still require a degree, I guess. But if you can put together a portfolio, maybe take some online courses, and show to employers you can do the job, then I don't see why not.

[@kjsdesignco]

Are you on ADP List? I’d love to schedule some time with you if not, how can I get in contact? I’m currently a Jr Product Designer and my lead is looking to hire out for copy. However I think it’s an opportunity to build a UX Skill..

[@UXHeWrote]

Hey! I actually don't do mentoring atm. Work has kind of eaten up a lot of my time right now. If the channel grows and there's interest, I might do a livestream where we can sit down together and do a group Q&A etc.

[@kjsdesignco]

@@UXHeWrote awesome! Thanks for the reply! 🙏🏽

[@chnngl]

Do you think a UX writer must be a native speaker or not?

[@UXHeWrote]

Here's your video answer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXTOoYOZl66cl6c

[@SLFinSF]

This is very good -- but I'm afraid I disagree that the ONLY thing needed is empathy. I've been a professional writer for 40+ years -- advertising, marketing, corporate communications and for the last 5 years, UX. I agree that empathy and "advocating for the user" is a key need. But I look for people who have an sixth sense about "the emotional impact" of words. We need to communicate clearly and PRECISELY in very few words... and each word will generally have some kind of "color" or "emotional charge" to it. For example, there is a huge difference between writing "free" and writing "available at no extra charge." "Free" is like an arrow that slides right into the user's brain. No thinking needed, they immediately understand it and they want it. "Available at no extra charge" just doesn't have the same emotional impact -- and you also have to think about it for a split second before it hits. you. So, you're right, I can teach a lot of things -- but I DO expect someone applying to be a good writer (I always look at whether someone knows when to hyphenate!) -- to know grammar and usage and punctuation to have an excellent "ear" -- and to have that instinct for how one word will affect the user emotional vs. a different one.

[@UXHeWrote]

But, understanding the emotional impact of words is empathy. Of course the writer needs a basic understanding of grammar, but not at the expense of empathy. And this is why I the video I speak directly to people coming from other forms of writing. They tend to focus on the words, and that's the wrong approach to take with UX writing. UX writing is a design job first, a tech job second, and a writing job third. I don't need someone who can write beautiful error messages. I need someone who can spot a problem in a user flow, and work with the designer to limit the probability that the user even makes a mistake. That's the difference between a writer and a UX writer. A writer focuses on the words, a UX writer takes a more holistic approach to the user experience. And that requires empathy. I can very easily correct grammar, punctuation, and even spelling. But I can't fix bad UX writing caused by not understanding the user's point of view. Plus, language rules change from company to company (basic grammar rules aside). For instance, Mailchimp's style guide uses a hyphen between numbers, Shopify's Polaris uses the en dash. Most people can learn to follow a style guide. We use Polaris at my company. I only need to tell a writer once to use the en dash between numbers...but I can't really teach them empathy. Well, I can, but it takes a lot longer than teaching someone to follow a style guide. 😆 I agree they need a decent grasp of the language. But if I had to choose between an excellent writer, and someone who shows empathy, I'd choose the latter. I can forgive incorrectly hyphenated words. I just need to know that the writer can actually create a logical, meaningful, and useful user flow with their words and the design.