What do you get when cross a poet with a Figma file…?

Much of what is communicated through words is done so through hidden systems. Sonic associations and connections are at the heart of the reason why one combination of words “feels” one way while another greatly differs. If we can harness the power of conveying personality and meaning in product writing – the way poets and fiction writers do in their work – we can open up a whole new world of possibilities for communicating effectively.

This course explores linguistic theory, semiotics, and the basic mechanics of the written word to empower product designers and UX writers to gain a greater understanding of the power of language.

Through a combination of lectures and interactive group activities, participants learned about rules and structures that help lend specific tonal qualities to speech and writing. We also explored some real examples of web microcopy and broke down what poetic devices might be at play (unbeknownst, but not unnoticed, by the reader).