Work with content designers
If your service has words, images or videos, you should have a content designer on your team.
When to get a content designer
Writing clear, useful content starts with understanding what users are trying to do. In discovery, a content designer works closely with a user researcher and an interaction designer.
In alpha, beta and live, a content designer creates content that:
- meets user needs
- is simple and easy to understand
- follows GOV.UK style
If your team does not have a content designer, ask the content community for advice.
Case study
The NHS had to name a new service that focused on interoperability. Working with content designers, they changed how they thought about the service and agreed a new user-friendly name.
Pair write with experts
Content often needs input from experts, for example in policy or security.
Many content designers work with experts to write content. They share a document and set up a call or meeting to work on content together. This is known as pair writing.
Tips for pair writing include:
- work with no more than 2 experts
- use software that allows you to write and edit together
- put the user needs at the top of the document
- only write what users need to know
Pair writing is faster than tracking changes by email and makes version control easier. It also helps experts understand the importance of user-centred content.
Use the content community
If you need to create content but your team does not yet have a content designer, ask the content community for advice.
You can also share content that you are working on with the content community.
Related guidance
Updated April 2023