Content Designer

A content designer writes and structures information to make it easy for people to find and understand. They make sure content is clear, simple, and meets user needs.

What they do

• develop content plans and strategies based on user needs
• write clear, usable, and accessible content in plain English 
• review and refine content regularly
• ensure content aligns with user journeys and service design
• test content with users and iterate based on feedback
• maintain consistency across multiple service channels

Key outputs

• Content style guides - define tone, structure, and accessibility standards
• User-tested content prototypes - draft content based on feedback
• Accessible content plans - ensure content works for all audiences
• Legal and policy compliance checks – ensure content meets regulatory standards

Project tasks

• Discovery - audit existing content and research user language needs
• Alpha - develop and test prototype content with users
• Beta - implement content and refine based on usability testing
• Live - update content based on performance and feedback

Hiring considerations

Before hiring, consider whether the skills already exist in your organisation. Training or reallocating staff might be a more effective way to fill gaps.

• When to hire - if services need clear, accessible content that meets user needs and aligns with service design
• When to upskill - if an existing team member can write in plain English, test content with users, and structure information effectively
• Essential skills - Plain English writing, accessibility, prototyping, content testing
• Common tools - Microsoft Word, Google Docs (for drafting content), Hemingway Editor (for readability checks), WAVE Accessibility Tool (for accessibility testing), Confluence (for content guidelines)