Anjana Menon, Senior UX Writer

I really like phrases, language, design, and tech. As a UX author, I get to mesh all these pursuits collectively. I need to say I like writing, however it’s a stretch as I actually don’t like long-form writing. If you ask my household and pals, they’ll inform you it is as a result of I’m that annoying one who retains modifying and fixing every little thing they write.

The reality is, I fell into this subject by full accident whereas doing all kinds of comms and writing for a startup in India, and I’ve by no means considered doing the rest since then. Waking up and eager to work within the morning is a blessing, and I’m fortunate to have it.

I craft the textual content within the interface that guides customers inside the product, and/or helps them full an motion.

It sounds relatively simple once I put it that manner, however to seek out the proper phrases, I would like to grasp the design, the issues we face, and dive into analysis so I do know who I’m writing for earlier than I can begin. The phrases I select must be clear, concise, compelling, and on-brand. Finding the simplest technique to say one thing is a enjoyable problem whenever you’re writing for everybody who makes use of your product.

1. My water bottle: I’m not excellent with the water consumption, so it’s proper subsequent to me so I keep in mind to remain hydrated. It sits on a coaster I picked up from Portugal, it’s a mini azulejo tile

2. Stickies and pocket book: Can by no means have sufficient of those. The wall subsequent to my desk (not pictured right here) is roofed in them!

3. Mini paintings: An illustration made by a good friend so as to add a little bit of color and a reminder that self-love is essential 🙂

4. Pen holder: To home all of the pens I’ve step by step stolen from the workplace

5. Moisturiser and lip balm: Need to maintain my pores and skin hydrated!

6. Phones: Test gadgets at hand, at any time when I would like them

7. Display: I favor engaged on an enormous display, so that is helpful

8. Keyboard and trackpad: I actually don’t understand how I spent a number of years simply utilizing my laptop computer, these items have modified the best way I work

9. iPad and Apple Pencil: Always helpful for the sketching classes 

10. Heavily stickered laptop computer: To maintain down the fort

11. Baby monstera: It lives between my desk and the window, however it’s at all times good to have a little bit of greenery

At my earlier job, we had been designing a movement the place we despatched a debit card by publish. The problem was the design and messaging for the sting instances. We had so many outcomes for this one movement, like profitable card supply, deal with reconfirmation, misplaced and stolen playing cards, and so forth. Money, playing cards, and monetary standing are additionally fairly delicate issues, so we needed to take that under consideration.

Messaging and content material technique laid the muse for this undertaking. Every time we got here up with an answer, we’d discover one thing new that wanted to be fastened. I feel we spent just a few sleepless nights on this! My designer and I spent numerous time understanding how the postal system, playing cards, and monetary safety operates earlier than we got here up with a movement that labored. It was undoubtedly one of the vital attention-grabbing tasks I’ve labored on, and it laid the muse for the way we’d collaborate for work. That set the stage for the way I work at Spotify.

I’m impressed by storytelling, so my high 3 are:

Hasan Minhaj

For the best way he tackles essential points in a inventive, participating method. His storytelling is fascinating, and I really feel prefer it displays who he’s.

Dave Grohl

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of the Foo Fighters. I really like their music! I’ve seen them dwell a number of instances, and Grohl’s songwriting is dropped at life along with his charismatic efficiency model. It’s not only a live performance whenever you watch them, it’s a journey. I actually get pleasure from his tales on @davestruestories 

Beyoncé

I don’t assume I must say a lot right here. Her newest launch, Black is King, weaves music, historical past, custom, and folks collectively to create a spectacular narrative. It’s genuine and resonates with everybody.

I learn rather a lot, and a ebook that I contemplate important studying for work is Content Design by Sarah Richards. 

As for shout outs, a large one to my household and pals, who’ve saved up with me as I pop up in numerous components of the world. They’re my largest cheerleaders and assist me turn into a greater individual every single day. 

If you might have questions or simply need to have a chat, hit me up on Twitter: @anjimenon