Microsoft content design blog
About
I created the Microsoft 365 Admin Content Design Blog with my manager when I first joined Microsoft. This blog is a place to share insights from the work we’re doing in Microsoft 365 products as well as broader content design topics.
As the lead editor, my ultimate goal is to nurture the Content Design community within our organizationto improve the quality and amplify the impact of UX content to other writers and partners.
Inclusive towards articles for all types of content
Share what we learn through our work, including techniques and tools for creating great content
Help others understand the value and impact of content design at Microsoft
Help our partners in CSE understand the importance of bringing content design early in projects
Increase cross-team collaboration through collaborative blog posts and peer reviews
content design- what we wish we knew
by Trisha Hoy
I first learned about content design as an intern at Microsoft in 2019. I studied Journalism and Informatics in college and expected that my internship would blend the two. Little did I know that I was only seeing the tip of the content iceberg. As a full-time Content Designer at Microsoft now, I know how complex this role is. Currently, I write content for the Microsoft 365 admin center in the RDX space (Message center, Service health, Customer monitoring, Software updates, and more). While I've grown as a content designer, I’m still defining my role and learning about new subjects in our field daily.
Here are a few things I wish I knew one year ago as a brand-new Content Designer:
1. Create content with users in mind
The most important thing I’ve learned is to be customer-obsessed. I’m a “people-person,” and this applies to my work too. Whether it’s instructional UI, email templates, sign-ups, navigation, tool tips, error messages, or listening to customers directly during research, content design connects with users at every stage of the user experience. Use customer data, conduct research when unsure, and write with empathy to help users accomplish tasks with ease.
2. Whether you’re a new hire or have been at Microsoft for decades—ask questions and challenge yourself to learn something new.
Asking questions helps prompt new discussions and gives teammates a new lens on what to think about when creating content. Luckily, my team is full of Content Designers who lead by example by asking many questions during content crits to dive deeper into products.
3. Take the time to learn from teammates
Dedicating my Fridays to take the UX Writer’s Collective fundamentals course, setting up frequent meetings to review my work, and learning new topics (like accessibility, data, and user testing) with the subject matter experts on my team helped me learn and build strong connections.
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My COVID class colleagues (interns and new hires hired during the pandemic) have some words of wisdom for new content designers:
1. Advocate for your ideas, they do matter.
At a new job, especially one where you meet everyone online, it can be hard to speak with your teams openly and honestly. It was anxiety-raising joining my first few meetings through Microsoft Teams. I felt the pressure of making a good first impression, but it’s a little more challenging without being those in-person social cues.
Everyone is still adjusting to this work from home “normal” and your fresh ideas are welcome. It also shows that you care about the success of the product you work on early and can help you be looped in on future projects and features where they need your perspective.
-Cayla Dorsey, Content Designer for Microsoft Family Safety.
2. Learn about what content design is
I wish I initially knew more about the intricacy of content design itself and how it incorporates many areas of thought into one. Before joining Microsoft, my initial impression of content design was that the role pertained more to UX design, where the work is completely visual-oriented. However, I quickly learned that the role encompasses elements of user experience, writing, and empathy to strategically design content for customers to efficiently achieve their goals. With content design, you evaluate the product, the words within the product, and the needs of the customer to drive your decisions.
Content design is growing every day and there will always be more to learn. To be a successful content designer, you must have the willingness to promote growth and foster new knowledge.
-Camille Pack, Content Design intern on Admin Self-Help & SMB CX team
3. Don’t let work from home stop you from making connections
Onboarding remotely can sometimes be a little isolating. In an in-person setting, it's easy to knock on someone's door or catch them in the hallway to ask a quick question. With WFH, there's the added step of scheduling a call or email. It's more challenging to get to know people outside of who you work with directly day-to-day. My team was so welcoming when I joined full-time in March, and they've been supportive and willing to answer questions and offer advice and mentorship. Make the effort.
-Caitlyn Zawideh, Technical Writer for Modern Work admin content
A list of other articles from the Content Design Blog.
Articles are published 1-3 times per quarter.