Figma UX Writing Plugin +
smarter work processes
Bringing Writing Guidelines To Where Designers Are
As a team of two writers servicing 280+ product teams, I sought useful ways to maximise UX Content’s impact while maintaining a flat headcount. Our customer teams lacked embedded writers, relying instead on our UX writing guidelines. However, many designers were not engaging with these guidelines. To address this, I devised a solution that seamlessly integrated our writing guidance into their workflow.
Recognising Figma as our org’s primary design tool, I transformed our static guidelines into dynamic writing rules and integrated them into a Figma plugin.
This plugin serves as a first line of defence, enabling designers to easily validate the UX copy within their designs. By providing immediate access to writing guidelines within Figma, it was akin to having a writer on hand during the initial copy drafting process. This approach met designers where they are, eliminating the need to leave Figma to search for guidance.
To further extend the accessibility of the writing guidelines, I developed a web-based version of the plugin. This allowed designers and non-designers alike to enter their strings and receive instant analysis, making the guidelines accessible even on the go. This innovation not only enhanced the usability of our writing guidelines for designers but also empowered non-designer product team members who don't work in Figma to access and apply the guidance effectively.
What does the Figma plugin look like in numbers?
At its peak, the UX writing Figma plugin processed hundreds of requests daily, helping designers and other product team members access guidelines without having to leave the tools they’re in.
UX Writing Office Hours
2 writers - 230 nuclear teams, and 289 extended teams
As one of only two UX writers supporting over 280 teams in our org, it was clear that our reach needed to be amplified. To address this challenge, I pioneered the concept of 'UX Writing Office Hours.' Held twice a week, these sessions provide four 30-minute slots each day for team members to book at will.
During these office hours, my colleague and I offer dedicated assistance to teams seeking UX writing support. This initiative ensures that teams lacking direct access to UX writers can still benefit from expert guidance, enhancing their products and user experience.
The introduction of UX Writing Office Hours has significantly broadened our impact, allowing us to provide critical writing support exactly when teams need it most. While embedding a writer in every team is not feasible, this solution effectively bridges the gap, delivering essential resources and expertise across our organisation.
What does this look like in practice?
In 2023, I offered:
Over 200 office hour sessions
250+ hours of guidance
90+ teams serviced
