What You Can Learn About Writing From Programmers and UX Designers

Summary

The article discusses valuable writing insights derived from the practices of programmers and UX designers, emphasizing clarity, fresh perspectives, and the importance of imagery.

Abstract

The article "What You Can Learn About Writing From Programmers and UX Designers" on Medium outlines three key writing lessons from the tech community. It highlights the importance of clarity, akin to writing clean, functional code, and stresses that successful tech-related posts on Medium are straightforward in their titles and content. The article also encourages writers to find a unique angle, citing examples like Andy's use of comics to explain complex computing concepts. Additionally, it underscores the significance of imagery, noting how custom illustrations can enhance understanding and engagement, as demonstrated by Marc Andrew's "UI & UX Micro-Tips" series. The piece suggests that these principles can be universally applied to improve writing across various fields.

Opinions

Clarity in writing is as crucial as it is in programming, leading to content that is concise and to the point.
A fresh perspective is vital for writers to stand out, even in fields where many topics have been extensively covered.
Imagery, including custom illustrations, is a powerful tool for making written content more engaging and understandable.
Writers should look beyond the most obvious stock images to find unique visuals that complement their text.
The use of clear titles and premises in articles is key to delivering on reader expectations and maintaining their interest.
Personal background and experiences can be leveraged to provide a distinctive viewpoint in writing.

Three tips from some of the most prolific writers on Medium

Photo: Ali Shah Lakhani/EyeEm/Getty Images

Programmers and designers create the programs that allow the rest of us to live our online lives — which is pretty amazing, when you think about it. These creators also write loads of great stuff in regular old words here on Medium about programming, software engineering, user experience design, and more. (If you’re interested in any of these topics, you might want to check out the publications Better Programming, JavaScript in Plain English, and UX Collective, just to start.)

Even if you’re not especially knowledgeable about these topics, there’s a lot you can learn from these writers, who tend to be among some of the most-read on Medium!

Here are three lessons we think are especially universal:

Clarity is key

In programming, it’s hard to write elegant, simple code — just like how it’s hard to write elegant, simple prose. But experienced programmers know how to work through rocky beginnings and end up with smooth final drafts. Maybe this is why programming posts on Medium tend to be clean, clear, and to the point.

If you look at the most popular programming and design stories on Medium at any given moment, they almost all have this in common: their titles and premises are very clear, and the content delivers exactly what the titles promise. So simple, right? “Create an App Like Shein: Its Cost, Features, and Tips.” This post from Sara Khan is just what it says it is. “Data Workflow Modernization.” Guess what this piece by Lak Lakshmanan is about? Data workflow modernization. Fernando Doglio’s “A Future Made of JavaScript” is about what it promises.

It’s not only the titles, either. These writers tend to dispense with lengthy introductions and get right to the point. It’s a great rule of thumb to keep in mind when you’re vying for readers’ attention on a crowded internet in a hectic world.

Find a fresh perspective

It’s been said many times, in many ways, that there are really only a couple of stories to be written. Sometimes this can be a source of anxiety for creators: What can you say that hasn’t already been said? The key, no matter what genre you’re writing in, is to offer a fresh take.

Image courtesy of Andy

There are lots of ways to infuse your writing with a unique perspective, of course. Think about what sets you and your life apart. Do you have a different background from most people in your field? An idiosyncratic way of seeing things? Be yourself, and your writing will stand out.

Imagery matters

Marc Andrew writes a popular series of posts for the UX Collective called “UI & UX Micro-Tips,” in which he details tiny design tweaks that can make a big difference for the users of apps and websites. Crucially, he illustrates each point with custom illustrations that make what he’s saying crystal clear. Not only do his images help explain what he’s trying to communicate, but they make his posts look professional and elegant.

No matter what you’re writing about, the right imagery can make it stand out. Some creators have chosen to add custom illustrations to their Medium posts, even if they aren’t professional illustrators. Even if you’re going with standard stock imagery, take a few moments to scroll past the first options, which have probably been used to death, and find something unique.