Voices of UX
10 inspiring UX writing prompts for the un-inspired
Your next big story is begging to be written.
Wanting to write but not knowing what to write about is frustrating. But everyone has a story, and we want to hear yours.
PatternFly is open to all voices, and we’ll stand by you every step of the way, from drafting, to editing, to publishing. Heck, we’ll even give you a few starter prompts!
We just ask that you do one thing — as you’re perusing these prompts, write down every thought that comes to mind. (This is a surprise tool that can help us later!)
Without further adieu, let’s get on with the writing prompts.
1. Your best-kept secret
Describe your design/research/writing process. What makes it unique? What strategies have you used that didn’t work?
2. Failure
Tell us about a time that you tried, and didn’t succeed. What did you learn, and did you eventually accomplish your goal? (Hint: the answer doesn’t have to be “yes”)
3. Research
Explain a research project. What did you learn? Did any of your results surprise you?
4. Pet peeves
Pinpoint a pet peeve you have that relates to your work. Why does it bother you? Is it a trend, or a mistake? Explain what’s wrong with that approach, and what UXers could do differently.
5. Analyzing media
As a UXer and a user, you have a unique perspective. Break down the UX of a website, game, or other type of program or media that you love — or hate. What things do they do well? What don’t they? How could they improve?
6. Work woes
What’s a part of your job that you struggle with? Have you made progress around it, or would you rather cut that responsibility out completely? Why?
7. Hobbies + experiences
How does your work help you in your personal life? Conversely, how does a hobby or personal experience impact your work?
8. Upcoming news
Is something big happening in the realm of accessibility? Design? UX as a whole? Break the news! Tell us about it, and how/why it’s going to affect users.
9. Struggles + successes
Talk about struggles or wins that have to do with work-life balance, productivity, working with cognitive differences… The sky’s the limit.
10. Secret (UX) weapons
Break down the unique ways you use a tool, a program that readers didn’t know they needed, or a shortcut that saves you time day-to-day.
If you’re down to the bottom of this list and still not feeling inspired, here’s a secret: the next thing you write doesn’t need to be perfect.
Writing is a skill that we all have to constantly work to hone. Even the PatternFly team struggles with writer’s block and “it has to be perfect” syndrome.
Here’s where that thought-dump list I recommended at the beginning of this post will come in handy.
Close your eyes and point in the general direction of your list. Now write about whichever note you’ve landed on. Allow your thoughts to wander, and record them all.
Did a tiny pet peeve pop into your head, but it seems too insignificant for a whole article? Did a “bad” idea come to you when scanning through the prompts? Elaborate on it. Brain-dump everything you have to say about that idea, and I promise you, it’ll spark 10 more. Eventually, you’ll find something that even you, your worst critic, will be pleased with.
When writer’s block is overshadowing your creativity, the best thing you can do is just start writing. Ideas start flowing when you let go of any misgivings you may have about your own worth and ability — so write.
Your trusty content team here at PatternFly is always cheering you on.
Have a story of your own? Write with us! Our community thrives on diverse voices — let’s hear yours.
