Why Technical Writers Should Think Like UX Designers

Exploring Parallels Between User Experience and Documentation Clarity

Thinking like a user experience (UX) designer makes it easier for technical writers to prioritize the reader’s experience, not just the accuracy of the content they create. Most UX designers focus on how users interact with interfaces like how intuitive, efficient, and satisfying those interactions are. In the same way, technical writers should consider how users interact with documentation. Is the information easy to find? Is the language clear and actionable? By taking on a UX mindset, writers switch from simply delivering information to make it easy to follow. This leads to documentation that feels less like chunky text and more like a helpful guide that anticipates user needs.

Another key benefit is improved structure and navigation. UX designers use wireframes (a website, app, or digital product’s blueprint) and user flows to map out how people move through an app or website. Technical writers can apply the same principles to organize content logically, using headings, links, and visual hierarchy to guide the reader. Obviously, this would apply to digital not printed content.

This is especially critical in complex documentation like API references or troubleshooting guides, where users often skim through for specific answers or instructions. Thinking like a UX designer helps writers create content that’s scannable, customizable, and responsive to different user paths—whether someone is reading each step or jumping between sections.

Opening up to UX thinking can help technical writers to understand their audience better. UX designers rely heavily on user feedback and usability testing to improve their work. Technical writers can benefit from the same approach by gathering insights from real users such as developers, customers, support teams, etc., and use that feedback to improve clarity, tone, and relevance. When technical writers adopt the UX designer’s resources, they become more than content creators—they become experienced architects, shaping how users feel, learn, and succeed through documentation.

UX thinking will encourage people to test things out, learn from mistakes, and keep making things better. Instead of guessing what works, they focus on real feedback and small changes that lead to big improvements. It also helps teams focus on what real people need, not just what looks good. By this kind of thinking, they create designs that are easier and more enjoyable to use. When you talk about UX, keep it simple and relatable. That way, your audience stays engaged and doesn’t drift or tune out.