Writers in Tech

💬 Episode Description:In this episode of Writers in Tech, we sit down with Marie Van Ogtrop, Director of Product Writing at Duolingo, to talk about building emotionally resonant content, scaling UX writing through AI, and creating consistency across a fast-moving product. Marie shares the story behind Copybot, Duolingo’s internal AI-powered writing tool, and how it allows product teams to write on-brand, delightful copy—without overwhelming the content team.We also talk about:Why words are a business tool, not just decorationHow clear writing reflects clear thinking“Meeting the moment” as a core UX writing principleThe power of internal documentation and style guidesWhy AI won't replace writers—but it will expand their reachUsing writing as a prompt design superpowerChildhood stories, abandoned first chapters, and writing aspirations👥 Guest: Marie Van Ogtrop on LinkedIn📌 Host: Brought to you by the UX Writing Hub📍 Timestamps:00:00 – Opening quote: “We can impact user outcomes on a grander scale”01:34 – How UX writing differentiates apps in a crowded market04:09 – Building content consistency across teams06:28 – Quality review systems for content07:40 – The “You are correct” story and improving emotional resonance10:00 – Copy and business metrics: “Words can move numbers”11:30 – Educating the market about the value of UX writing13:11 – Prompt design is writing—writers are natural AI communicators17:18 – How Duolingo built Copybot, an internal AI-powered product writer20:00 – Balancing AI tools and human creativity in writing22:59 – Marie’s writing dreams and childhood story ideas25:06 – What inspires Marie today as a product writer

Take our free UX Writing Course.In this episode of Writers in Tech, host Yuval Keshtcher speaks with Hunter Gebron, a seasoned UX writer with extensive experience in the FinTech and blockchain sectors. They discuss the significant presence of UX writers in FinTech, the challenges of communicating complex blockchain terminology, and the importance of building trust with users in financial applications. Hunter shares insights from his journey in UX writing, including his experiences at Meta and Kraken, and emphasizes the need for clear communication and user research in content design. In this conversation, Hunter discusses his experiences in content design, particularly in the context of his work at Kraken and the evolving role of AI in the industry. He reflects on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI tools, the importance of strategic thinking in content design, and the potential for building scalable content design systems. The discussion also touches on the future of product design and the necessity for designers to adapt to new technologies.

Episode Summary In this groundbreaking episode, host Yuval Keshtcher speaks with Megan Legawiec about the emerging field of trauma-informed content design. They explore how digital products can be designed with awareness of user trauma, making experiences safer and more accessible for everyone. Megan explains the core principles, shares practical examples, and offers resources for designers looking to implement these practices. Check out our free content design courseIntroductionYuval introduces Megan Legawiec, a senior content designer who has worked in real estate, cybersecurity, and AIThey explain this is a dedicated episode on trauma-informed content design after briefly discussing it in a previous recordingOriginated in psychotherapy with 5-7 guiding principlesAdapted first to physical spaces through architectural guidelinesNow being applied to digital spaces where people spend significant timeApproximately 70% of the world's population will experience a traumatic event in their lifetimeAn estimated 5-8% develop PTSDApplies to all digital experiences, not just mental health applicationsExamples include:SafetyTrustworthiness and TransparencyPeer Support, Collaboration, and MutualityEmpowerment and ChoiceCultural, Historical, and Gender ConsiderationsBuilds trust with usersCreates more loyal user baseMakes experiences accessible to more peopleCorrelates with best practices in UX designCan be implemented incrementallyBooks:Training:Megan responds to audience questions from LinkedIn about implementation strategiesYuval teases an upcoming live conference in Europe (September 2025)Produced by the UX Writing HubWhat is Trauma-Informed Content Design?Key ApplicationsCore Tenets of Trauma-Informed DesignBusiness Case for ImplementationRecommended ResourcesClosing

Sign up for our free UX Writing Course: https://course.uxwritinghub.com/free_course I had a huge pleasure in having Balasubramanyn Meenakshisundaram at the Writers in Tech podcast. Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4n6icHZbDEcXRX4DafjtPw How does a tech support specialist evolve into a content designer? In this episode, we dive deep with a veteran tech writer who's mastered the art of user-centered documentation across telecom, healthcare, and SaaS. From crafting product docs in agile environments to becoming a sought-after content strategist, our guest shares insights on finding your voice in technical writing while maintaining that crucial human touch.

Step into the world of AI companionship with Jason F. Gilbert, where robots aren't just machines – they're life-changing friends for older adults. Through his work at Intuition Robotics, Jason shares candid stories about Elliq, a companion robot helping seniors fight loneliness and stay sharp. His journey from writing Disney's Miss Piggy chatbot to crafting conversations for elder care reveals the human side of AI development. Get ready for an eye-opening chat about building trust, handling user feedback (including the tough moments), and why sometimes, the most powerful feature can be as simple as offering a virtual hug. This isn't just another tech talk – it's a story about using words and AI to make real connections when they matter most.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Nurit Gazit, Director of Product Management at Beti, as we explore the intersection of AI, UX writing, and the construction industry. In this episode of the AI Experience podcast, Nurit shares how Beti, a software company specializing in construction site management, is leveraging AI and professional UX writing to revolutionize communication in the building sector. Discover how Beti is tackling unique challenges in safety, quality, and efficiency on construction sites through innovative software solutions. Nurit discusses the company's journey from a startup to an established player, including their expansion from Israel to the US market and the complexities of product localization. Learn about Beti's strategic decision to collaborate with UX writing professionals and their development of an AI-powered tool for implementing UX guidelines. Nurit offers valuable insights on balancing user needs with business objectives in specialized industries and provides tips for aspiring UX writers looking to make an impact. Whether you're interested in AI applications, UX design, or the evolving landscape of construction technology, this episode offers a blueprint for building better user experiences in complex industries.

In this episode, Yuval Keshtcher is joined by Chris Willis, the Chief Design Officer at Domo, to discuss the intersection of content design and AI, tackling data challenges in organizations, the critical role of words in UI/UX, and the future of human-computer collaboration. They delve into the need for context-aware interfaces and personalized user experiences, emphasizing the importance of familiar language tailored to different organizational roles.

Yael Ilani, a ux writer from berlin, had spent her last day of homeland vocation sharing some of her knowledge and experience with us: Why does it require more work and creativity to use fewer words as a ux writer? What does the future hold for content and ux writers? are they all gonna be replaced by machines and AI? How did ux writing affect her understanding of the product's design process?

Nina delved into the evolving landscape of AI in content design, stressing the necessity of human oversight to prevent misuse and maintain context integrity. Discussions expanded to future trends like subscription models for car ownership and the impact of AI-driven technologies in reshaping industries, highlighting the continual need for human intervention in technological advancements to ensure ethical standards and optimal user experiences. From the foundational role of understanding user needs and aligning them with business goals to exploring the dynamic interplay between human oversight and AI in content creation, this conversation covers crucial ground. Nina shares insights on collaboration strategies, the importance of ethical considerations, and the impact of technological advancements on the industry. 🔑 Main Points Empathy as Foundation for Approaching Initiatives: Empathy is crucial for success in any business or industry. Collaboration Strategies: Working closely with stakeholders, determining objectives, and aligning teams for smooth operation. OKRs Implementation: Using OKRs to link detailed tasks to broader business objectives. User Experience Focus: Tailoring experiences to individual needs and preferences. Future Trends in UX Writing: Emphasis on inclusivity, conversational tone, and personalized interactions. Challenges of Localization: Addressing nuances in language and culture for successful product localization. Legal Considerations: Importance of clear policies, terms, and conditions in UX writing. Scaling Content Strategy: Starting with empathy and understanding user needs before scaling content. Continuous Improvement: Incorporating data and feedback for iterative process in becoming a better UX writer.

In this episode of Writers in Tech, we're diving into the work of Deiadora Blanche, who knows a ton about making content that's easy and fun to use, especially when it comes to working with AI. Deiadora's got this knack for explaining things in a way that makes you go, "Oh, I get it now!" and today, she's unpacking what "AI content design". So, what's the deal with AI content design? Imagine you're crafting a story or designing a webpage, but instead of just relying on your brain and maybe a cup of coffee, you've got this smart assistant that can suggest ideas, help with writing, or even predict what your audience will love. That's where AI steps in. It's like having a supercharged brainstorming buddy that's also a bit of a tech whiz. Deiadora breaks it down: companies that already value good content are starting to see AI as this awesome tool to get even more creative and efficient. But it's not just about using AI; it's about understanding it enough to make it work for your projects. She's all about encouraging folks in the content game to get comfy with AI, learn a bit of the techy language, and start experimenting. Enjoy!