Design Isn’t Just How It Looks—I t’s How It Works
Allex Jordan
Dec 12, 2020
As designers, we're trained to communicate visually—through layouts, typography, and color. But there’s another tool that’s just as powerful: writing. You might not see yourself as a writer, and that’s perfectly fine. Writing doesn’t mean penning elaborate essays or crafting poetic blog posts. At its core, writing is simply thinking made visible—and for designers, it’s a secret weapon for clearer communication and stronger work.
Writing Sharpens Your Thinking
Design is fundamentally about problem-solving. When you write about your process—why you made certain decisions, how you tackled challenges, and what you learned—you force yourself to articulate your reasoning. This reflection strengthens your design instincts and helps uncover gaps or patterns you might have missed. Even a short note about why you chose one layout over another can reveal insights that shape your future work.
Writing Strengthens Communication
Whether you’re collaborating in a team, working with clients, or presenting ideas to stakeholders, writing allows you to express your thoughts with clarity. A well-crafted message can:
Set expectations with clients
Explain your design rationale
Explain your design rationale
Document feedback and next steps
The better you can communicate in writing, the easier it is to build trust and alignment with others.
Writing Builds Your Voice
Sharing your thoughts publicly—through blog posts, tweets, or even LinkedIn updates—gives you a voice in the design community. It helps others see how you think and what you care about. Over time, writing becomes a part of your personal brand. It shows that you’re reflective, thoughtful, and passionate about your craft. You don’t need a huge audience. You just need to start.
Where to Begin
don’t have to write every day or publish long essays. Start small:
Summarize what you learned from a recent project
Write a LinkedIn post about a tool or design trend you like
Reflect on a challenge you faced and how you overcame it
Write for yourself first. Clarity will follow.
In Closing
You don’t have to be a “writer” to benefit from writing. If you’re a designer, writing is already part of what you do—whether you’re naming buttons, crafting case studies, or explaining your ideas. Use it intentionally. Write more. Think better. Communicate clearer.
[ Read more Blog ]
Design Isn’t Just How It Looks—I t’s How It Works
Allex Jordan
Dec 12, 2020
As designers, we're trained to communicate visually—through layouts, typography, and color. But there’s another tool that’s just as powerful: writing. You might not see yourself as a writer, and that’s perfectly fine. Writing doesn’t mean penning elaborate essays or crafting poetic blog posts. At its core, writing is simply thinking made visible—and for designers, it’s a secret weapon for clearer communication and stronger work.
Writing Sharpens Your Thinking
Design is fundamentally about problem-solving. When you write about your process—why you made certain decisions, how you tackled challenges, and what you learned—you force yourself to articulate your reasoning. This reflection strengthens your design instincts and helps uncover gaps or patterns you might have missed. Even a short note about why you chose one layout over another can reveal insights that shape your future work.
Writing Strengthens Communication
Whether you’re collaborating in a team, working with clients, or presenting ideas to stakeholders, writing allows you to express your thoughts with clarity. A well-crafted message can:
Set expectations with clients
Explain your design rationale
Explain your design rationale
Document feedback and next steps
The better you can communicate in writing, the easier it is to build trust and alignment with others.
Writing Builds Your Voice
Sharing your thoughts publicly—through blog posts, tweets, or even LinkedIn updates—gives you a voice in the design community. It helps others see how you think and what you care about. Over time, writing becomes a part of your personal brand. It shows that you’re reflective, thoughtful, and passionate about your craft. You don’t need a huge audience. You just need to start.
Where to Begin
don’t have to write every day or publish long essays. Start small:
Summarize what you learned from a recent project
Write a LinkedIn post about a tool or design trend you like
Reflect on a challenge you faced and how you overcame it
Write for yourself first. Clarity will follow.
In Closing
You don’t have to be a “writer” to benefit from writing. If you’re a designer, writing is already part of what you do—whether you’re naming buttons, crafting case studies, or explaining your ideas. Use it intentionally. Write more. Think better. Communicate clearer.
[ Read more Blog ]