How it works

Each day we’ll have a mix of teaching, hands-on activities, and discussion. Each session will include a couple of short breaks (5-10 mins) and one longer break (20-30 mins) about halfway through the day. Each day will end with open discussion.

Who it’s for

• New and upcoming UX writers. You’ll learn the fundamentals and get the vocabulary you need to to explain your craft to others. You’ll also learn how to facilitate important conversations and design activities in your practice.

• Technical writers who work with product teams. Get a sense for how to use your writing skills on interfaces, and how to find solutions that work for your users and your organization.

• Designers who want to improve their UX writing. You’ll see how you can apply the concepts you use for visual and interactive design work to the words you write. You’ll come away with methods purpose-built for addressing the types of design problems writing can solve.

• Product managers and engineers who write for interfaces. If you write copy for the products you’re building, this workshop will help you learn UX techniques you can apply to your writing.

Topics we’ll cover

• UX writing fundamentals – From creating clarity at key points of interaction to writing effective errors that help users move forward, you’ll come away with a solid understanding of how to write for interfaces.

• Voice and tone – Learn about frameworks to help organizations discover and clarify their voice, then see how strategic tones should change based on different situations your users might encounter.

• Research and testing – Understand how to find the right words for your audience, then test them to make sure they’re achieving your goals.

• Systems for scalability – See how words play a role in design systems and style guides, then learn practical tactics that will help you increase the quality and consistency of UX writing throughout your organization.

What past attendees say

Here’s what people who attended our remote workshops in 2020 have said about them:

Andy and Michael are great teachers and together they made the experience of learning about UX writing really accessible and fun.

I would totally recommend it to a friend as I believe has fresh, relevant, and useful content.

I feel validated as a writer and designer because of this experience.

The hands-on knowledge was so valuable to learn quickly and make sure I was able to absorb and apply what they were talking about.

Technology

We’ll use a few different tools to create an interactive, hands-on learning environment. A computer that you can install Slack and Zoom on should be all you need to participate.

• Zoom calls with breakout rooms. We’ll use a main room for lectures and discussions, and smaller breakout rooms for hands-on activities. Video is welcome, but not required. Participate however you’re comfortable.

• Miro for activities. This virtual whiteboard will be where we practice the different methods we’re teaching. We’ll share the Miro board templates with you after the class so you can adapt them to your own work.

• Slack for communication. We’ll use Slack to keep everyone apprised of what’s happening during the workshop, and as a way to share resources and links.

Scholarships

In an effort to promote equity and increase access to education for practitioners from underrepresented groups, we’re offering four scholarships at no cost. Apply before October 19th to be considered.

Refunds and transfers

Unfortunately, due to the time-sensitive nature of live workshops, we can’t offer refunds. However, if you’re not able to attend, we can transfer your ticket to someone else. Just let us know.

Code of conduct

This workshop is provided by Metts Strategy. Metts Strategy is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. All attendees must adhere to the Metts Strategy Code of Conduct.

Other questions? Email michael@mjmetts.com.

About the instructors

When Andy Welfle was eight, he wanted to be a poet and a paleontologist. Twenty-seven years later, he is neither, but he uses those skills in his day job as a content strategist on Adobe’s product design team — writing under huge constraints, and uncovering artifacts from big, old software interfaces. When he’s not working, he’s creating podcasts and zines about one of his favorite topics: wooden pencils. Find him in San Francisco with his wife and two large cats.

Michael J. Metts helps teams build great products and services by putting people first. With a background in journalism, he frequently finds himself talking about the role words play in designing useful, usable experiences. He has given talks and taught workshops on the topic at industry conferences around the world. He lives with his wife, two children, and a very small dog just outside Chicago.