Why a good UX writer needs design-thinking skills

Let’s talk about what makes a good digital product—not just cool designs or great features. Words matter, too, and that’s where UX writing comes in.

Good UX writing is about anticipating user needs—but I have also discovered the value of applying design-thinking principles to create smoother, more intuitive experiences, ensuring users can easily find what they need.

What is design thinking, anyway?

So, what’s this design thinking thing? It’s a way of solving problems that keeps the focus on the user. Instead of making something and hoping it works, design thinking means understanding the user first, seeing where they struggle, and then creating solutions that solve those problems.

It usually involves a few steps:

• Empathize – Learn about the users and what they need.
• Define – Figure out the real problem.
• Brainstorm – Come up with ideas that could solve it.
• Prototype – Make a basic version to test out.
• Test – See how real users respond and make tweaks.

You might think this sounds like it’s all about visuals, but words play a big part, too. That’s where a UX writer with a design-thinking mindset fits in.

Why should UX writers care about design thinking?

Some might wonder why a UX writer needs to think like a designer. Isn’t the job just to fill in some text? Well, kind of, but there’s more to it than that. If you want to make a user-friendly product, it helps when the writer understands the whole process.

Here’s why:

1. Words are part of the design: Think of the last time you used an app that felt clunky. Maybe you couldn’t find the right button, or the instructions were confusing. Sometimes the problem isn’t just the layout—it’s the words. UX writers ensure the language fits the design, guiding users in a way that makes sense. When they understand design thinking, they see how the words should flow with the rest of the experience.
2. Focus on the user: Design thinking is about putting the user first. When UX writers are involved in this, they can write messages that actually help users instead of leaving them confused. You cannot just guess what might work—participate in user testing, ask the right questions, and listen to what users say.
3. Better teamwork with designers: With design thinking, UX writers can work better with designers. They can give feedback on user flows, suggest how things are laid out, and adjust copy to make the whole experience feel better. It means that the words aren’t slapped on at the last minute—they’re considered throughout the process.

How UX writers with design-thinking skills solve problems

Here’s what it looks like in real life:

1. Spotting user problems: Early in the project, UX writers like to look at your user interviews or data to find out where users get stuck. This helps us to understand what kind of words will make things easier for users.
2. Shaping the user experience: As designers sketch out user flows and wireframes, a UX writer can add draft text to see how it fits into the design. This way, the copy and design grow together.
3. Prototyping and testing: When the prototype is ready, it’s time for testing, and the words are a big part of that. This is where you find out if the buttons are in the right place and if users understand the messages. The feedback helps with copy adjustments and makes the whole product easier before it goes live.

Why this matters for product development

So, how does this help the product development process?

A UX writer who understands design thinking can save time and help build something users find easy and intuitive.

They’re involved from the start, so they can catch issues before they become problems, suggest better ways to communicate, and ensure the words fit naturally with the design.

And it means less work down the road. Instead of going back and forth to tweak the text after the design is finished, the copy is built in from the beginning. That saves time, effort, and money.

The big takeaway

The main point here is that good UX writing is about understanding what users need, working closely with the design team, and thinking about how words shape the experience. With a design-thinking approach, UX writers can help create products that make sense and are easy for people to use.

Whether it’s a new app, a website, or any other digital project, having a UX writer who understands design thinking makes things run smoother. We ensure the words fit naturally, helping users find their way without a hitch.

Ready to create an experience your users will love? Contact me, and let’s start writing together!