How designers and copywriters can better collaborate to deliver better results?

So much can happen when a designer and writer discuss work over a cup of coffee. Collaboration sparks creativity.

Designers and writers have close relationship. One’s work has a bearing on other’s work. Good design needs good copy. And vice versa. Both can work together, in tandem, to lift the project outcome. However, both being creative in nature, there’s always a chance of creative differences, clashing of egos etc. As with any relationship, there is always a scope to improve it and deepen so as to get better results.

Here are some simple ways to deepen designer copywriter collaboration-

Start Early

The days of design and content teams working in silos have long gone. So, they need to get into the project together and early. Understanding of user and thereby improving UX is becoming crucial in making a product, website or app, a success. And, that’s why designers and writers must get early into the project- during ideation and user research. This will help them get on the same page early as well as gain crucial insights that can help them when they have to play their role.

Communicate Clearly

They need to communicate constantly and clearly. And devoid of jargons, so that each side can understand the other clearly. And this holds for while giving the feedback. Lazy and ambiguous feedback don’t take anyone, anywhere. Feedback needs to be specific and actionable.

“The top banner looks dull” is open to interpretation while saying “Can we make it little brighter and add some colors” is actionable. Share feedback to help other.

Solve the- Design or Copy first- riddle

Solve it once and for all. Take your project manager’s help if needed. Each side feels that their work has dominant impact and therefore they should start first. In the old days, it was easy as both used to work in silos and then a designer would incorporate copy in the design. Today, each design element needs to have utility, each word needs to have meaning. My experience suggests, content or copy should start early and then designer should take over. And this helps both designers and writers. It gives writers freedom to write without thinking of space and set the context for design. It helps designers in understanding the wider message and selecting design elements like- graphics, images and layout to accommodate copy.

Understand each other’s craft

It helps when designers understand writing and writers understand designing. It help them not only do their work better but also together optimize the end result. It also helps to understand each other’s style, if you are working for long term. When you understand each other’s craft then it will help you understand the pain points better, reduce friction and speedup the production.

Give each other the freedom

Projects have pressure of deadline and delivery. While those need to be religiously adhered, it shouldn’t spill down to taking a toll on the collaboration. This can also happen when one is senior in terms of experience or position over other.

“Let’s finish this first”. “It needs to go ASAP”.

“The client is after me, let’s quickly put something”.

Plan your work well while taking into consideration each other’s bandwidth. Good work needs time. And give that to each other. Also be open to each other’s creativity. Don’t trespass on each other’s domain needlessly. Share your ideas but let the other take decision on his part.

Collaboration is more than working together in a project. Designers and writers have their own interest in working closely with other. It helps individuals. It helps the team. And it delivers the best results.

We would like to know your thoughts on improving designer writer collaboration? What’s your ideal collaboration? Share your thoughts on the comments below.

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