Design isn’t just about how things look — it’s about how things work. And before we can make something work well, we need to know what it’s supposed to say. That’s why I always start with words, not wireframes.
It’s easy to jump into Figma. But if we skip the language, we risk designing screens that are visually polished — but structurally hollow. Content gives design its direction.
Why Design Fails Without Words
Too often, designers create layouts with placeholder text and hope the “real” content fits later. But real content isn’t decoration — it’s the point. When words come last, the experience becomes disjointed, confusing, or worse: forgettable.
“Design without content is just decoration. If the message isn’t clear, no amount of visual polish will save it.”
— A content-first mentor I admire
5 Habits of Content-First Designers
Small practices that make a big difference
Start with a conversation — Before opening any design tool, talk about the message, the audience, and the problem you’re solving.
Write the key screens first — Draft the homepage headline, the primary CTA, or the onboarding steps — even if they’re rough.
Collaborate with copy early — Bring writers into the process from day one. Design and language should evolve together.
Use real words in wireframes — No more “lorem ipsum.” Use real (or draft) content to see how it feels in flow.
Edit ruthlessly — Simpler is better. Every word and visual should earn its place.
What Content-First Projects Prioritize
Design is problem-solving — and words define the problem. When teams lead with language, they make better decisions, faster.
Clear value props that resonate with users
Story-driven flows that make sense from screen to screen
Fewer revisions — because everyone’s aligned early
Better collaboration between design, product, and marketing
More confidence in presenting work that actually works
Final Thoughts
Wireframes matter — but they’re not the first step. The best digital experiences are built on clarity, not guesswork. And clarity starts with words.
“The most powerful design tool isn’t a button or layout grid — it’s a sentence that makes someone say, ‘Yes, this is for me.’”
— Unknown
If your next project feels stuck or scattered, skip the gray boxes and start with a shared doc. Write what matters. Design will follow.
Design isn’t just about how things look — it’s about how things work. And before we can make something work well, we need to know what it’s supposed to say. That’s why I always start with words, not wireframes.
It’s easy to jump into Figma. But if we skip the language, we risk designing screens that are visually polished — but structurally hollow. Content gives design its direction.
Why Design Fails Without Words
Too often, designers create layouts with placeholder text and hope the “real” content fits later. But real content isn’t decoration — it’s the point. When words come last, the experience becomes disjointed, confusing, or worse: forgettable.
“Design without content is just decoration. If the message isn’t clear, no amount of visual polish will save it.”
— A content-first mentor I admire
5 Habits of Content-First Designers
Small practices that make a big difference
Start with a conversation — Before opening any design tool, talk about the message, the audience, and the problem you’re solving.
Write the key screens first — Draft the homepage headline, the primary CTA, or the onboarding steps — even if they’re rough.
Collaborate with copy early — Bring writers into the process from day one. Design and language should evolve together.
Use real words in wireframes — No more “lorem ipsum.” Use real (or draft) content to see how it feels in flow.
Edit ruthlessly — Simpler is better. Every word and visual should earn its place.
What Content-First Projects Prioritize
Design is problem-solving — and words define the problem. When teams lead with language, they make better decisions, faster.
Clear value props that resonate with users
Story-driven flows that make sense from screen to screen
Fewer revisions — because everyone’s aligned early
Better collaboration between design, product, and marketing
More confidence in presenting work that actually works
Final Thoughts
Wireframes matter — but they’re not the first step. The best digital experiences are built on clarity, not guesswork. And clarity starts with words.
“The most powerful design tool isn’t a button or layout grid — it’s a sentence that makes someone say, ‘Yes, this is for me.’”
— Unknown
If your next project feels stuck or scattered, skip the gray boxes and start with a shared doc. Write what matters. Design will follow.
Design isn’t just about how things look — it’s about how things work. And before we can make something work well, we need to know what it’s supposed to say. That’s why I always start with words, not wireframes.
It’s easy to jump into Figma. But if we skip the language, we risk designing screens that are visually polished — but structurally hollow. Content gives design its direction.
Why Design Fails Without Words
Too often, designers create layouts with placeholder text and hope the “real” content fits later. But real content isn’t decoration — it’s the point. When words come last, the experience becomes disjointed, confusing, or worse: forgettable.
“Design without content is just decoration. If the message isn’t clear, no amount of visual polish will save it.”
— A content-first mentor I admire
5 Habits of Content-First Designers
Small practices that make a big difference
Start with a conversation — Before opening any design tool, talk about the message, the audience, and the problem you’re solving.
Write the key screens first — Draft the homepage headline, the primary CTA, or the onboarding steps — even if they’re rough.
Collaborate with copy early — Bring writers into the process from day one. Design and language should evolve together.
Use real words in wireframes — No more “lorem ipsum.” Use real (or draft) content to see how it feels in flow.
Edit ruthlessly — Simpler is better. Every word and visual should earn its place.
What Content-First Projects Prioritize
Design is problem-solving — and words define the problem. When teams lead with language, they make better decisions, faster.
Clear value props that resonate with users
Story-driven flows that make sense from screen to screen
Fewer revisions — because everyone’s aligned early
Better collaboration between design, product, and marketing
More confidence in presenting work that actually works
Final Thoughts
Wireframes matter — but they’re not the first step. The best digital experiences are built on clarity, not guesswork. And clarity starts with words.
“The most powerful design tool isn’t a button or layout grid — it’s a sentence that makes someone say, ‘Yes, this is for me.’”
— Unknown
If your next project feels stuck or scattered, skip the gray boxes and start with a shared doc. Write what matters. Design will follow.
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