In the ever-evolving world of digital design and user experience, the transition from being a freelance web designer to specialist UX Writer represents not just a career shift, but a journey towards a greater goal – making the web more accessible. In this blog post, I am charting a course, I am transitioning from a generic web designer to UX Writer.

This transition, marked by patience, learning, and a drive to contribute more meaningfully, has been both challenging and rewarding.

Starting a new path from website design to UX Writing has been a big ol’ exciting change. A key moment in this journey was when I created the Harrogate Community Radio Alexa Skill. This project wasn’t just another thing to add to my work list; it was a big turning point. The happiness and new ideas I got from this project showed me how important and powerful content design can be. It was all about making something that works well and is easy for everyone to use.

Moving into a new role as a UX Writer needed careful thought. It wasn’t just about learning new things; it was about seeing things in a new way. A big lesson I learned was to take my time and not rush. There’s a temptation when changing careers to want to jump right in, but it’s important to learn the foundations first. I made sure to learn UX principles thoroughly before taking on any major projects. Getting certification from the UX Design Institute was an important part of this path. At close to 43 years old, it proved that I can learn new skills and helped me feel more confident – there were times when I doubted myself.

And, I have one piece of advice to my past self; it’s really important to mix good storytelling with design that focuses on the user. My background in web design and my new training as a UX Writer put me in a unique position to help make projects that are not only great to look at but also easy to use. In web design, it can be tempting to focus more on visuals than content, but users need both. Good UX writing provides clear, concise instructions and explanations that enhance the user’s experience.

Transitioning from Web Designer to UX Writer

In the end, this change from web design to UX Writing is about more than just changing jobs; it’s about making a difference – almost a self-styled crusade to make the internet a better place for everyone. Well, one website at a time… I see UX writing as a way to empower users and make technology work for them, not against them. With so much complex and confusing software out there, a good UX writer can cut through the noise and speak directly to the user’s needs.

This career change has reminded me that learning never stops. There are always new skills to build and perspectives to gain. Though it was difficult at times, the challenge of shifting into UX writing made me a better designer overall. I have a renewed sense of empathy for users and appreciation for creating intuitive experiences. My past knowledge blending with new understanding has opened up creative possibilities I never considered before.

The path of UX writing has already led me in unexpected directions, like crafting that Alexa skill for a community radio station. Though I don’t know exactly where it will take me next, I look forward to finding out. This role perfectly combines my love of technology with my passion for communication. I feel grateful to have found such a meaningful way to make a difference in people’s digital lives. Even on hard days, I remember that spark from my first UX writing project. Ultimately, it’s about bringing more ease, clarity, and delight to the world – one interface at a time.

Cover photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash