Should UX designers have UX writing skills?

User experience (UX) design and UX writing are two integral components of creating a successful product or service.

Maxim Rahr
3 min readJan 9, 2023

While they often work hand in hand, the question of whether UX designers should also have UX writing skills is a debated topic in the industry.

Source

Benefits of UX designers having UX copywriting skills

On one hand, some argue that UX designers should have a strong understanding of language and how to craft effective messaging.

After all, UX designers are responsible for creating a seamless and intuitive experience for the user, and the words and copy used in the product play a significant role in that experience.

Having UX writing skills allows UX designers to take a more holistic approach to design, considering not only the visual elements but also the written language and how it contributes to the overall user experience.

It also allows for a more efficient workflow, as the UX designer can handle both the design and writing tasks rather than relying on input from another team member.

Arguments against UX designers having UX Writing Skills

On the other hand, some argue that UX designers should focus on their primary expertise of design and leave the writing to UX writers or copywriters.

They argue that the roles of UX designer and UX writer are distinct and require different skill sets and that dividing the responsibilities allows for a more specialized and effective team.

Ultimately, whether or not UX designers should have UX writing skills comes down to the specific needs and goals of the product or service.

In some cases, it may be beneficial for UX designers to have a strong understanding of language and how to craft effective messaging. In other cases, it may be more effective to have a dedicated UX writer on the team.

Regardless of which approach is taken, it is essential for UX designers and UX writers to work closely together to create a cohesive and intuitive experience for the user.

By combining their expertise and collaborating effectively, they can create a product that is not only visually appealing but also effectively communicates with its intended audience.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether or not UX designers should have UX writing skills depends on the specific needs and goals of the product or service.

Pros

  • Holistic approach to design
  • More efficient workflow

Cons

  • Distinct skill sets require specialization
  • More effective to have a dedicated UX writer on the team

In some cases, it may be beneficial for UX designers to have a strong understanding of language and how to craft effective messaging.

In other cases, it may be more effective to have a dedicated UX writer on the team.

Regardless of which approach is taken, it is essential for UX designers and UX writers to work closely together to create a cohesive and intuitive experience for the user.

Maxim Rahr, UX Copywriter & Content Editor

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Maxim Rahr
Maxim Rahr

Written by Maxim Rahr

Product-led content & user-centric UX copy. Have work? Let’s chat!

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