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I Stopped Waiting for Permission: How I'm Building a UX Writing Career on My Own Terms
I still remember the day I deleted my LinkedIn account. Not deactivated. Deleted. I'd spent months scrolling through UX design and writing positions in Japan, bookmarking roles that looked perfect. Every single time, I'd get hit the same line: "Japanese language proficiency required." I'm an English teacher with a law degree, teaching in Japan, trying to break into tech. Self-taught in design. Passionate about words and user experience. Completely locked out of the traditiona

Nell Rodney
May 165 min read


You Don’t Need to Find Your Voice. You Need to Use It
Let your voice be heard. We All Have a Voice...But What Does That Actually Mean? We all have a voice. Not just something we’re born with, but something we use to communicate, create, and make sense of the world around us. It shows up in the way we express ideas, the choices we make, and the things we're drawn to. Even in moments where we're not trying, our voice shows up. As we get older, as circumstances shift, recognising our voice becomes a bit tricky. Think of instances w

Nell Rodney
May 163 min read


Tone and Voice in UX Design: What Happens When Tone Goes Wrong.
You’ve probably sent or received a message that was technically fine… but somehow made things worse. …okay, but what did they mean by that? “I’m fine.” “Okay.” “Do whatever you want.” Same words. No real issue, right? And yet something about it feels off. Cold. Distant. Maybe even a little passive-aggressive. Nothing changed in what was said. But how it came across? Completely different. That gap between what we say and how it lands is something we deal with in everyday life

Nell Rodney
May 24 min read


Why I Quit My Part-Time Job to Focus on What Matters
I recently made a decision that felt small on the outside but significant for me. I quit my part-time job! I didn’t lose something, I made space. Not because I suddenly had everything figured out. Not because I had some perfect plan lined up. But because I knew I needed to create space. For a while, I felt like I was constantly pouring into things that weren’t really pouring back into me. Working, showing up, doing what needed to be done but not feeling like I was growing in

Nell Rodney
Apr 292 min read


Soft Reset: Resetting Your Routine When Life Feels All Over the Place
In a phase of figuring things out, slowly. I’ve been a little quiet on here. Not because I didn’t have anything to say but because, for a while, I felt a bit lost. I didn’t really have a routine. My days were happening, but I wasn’t moving through them with much intention. I was overwhelmed, unmotivated, and just going with the flow in a way that didn’t feel good. At the same time, I made a pretty intentional decision to step away from my part-time job so I could spend more t

Nell Rodney
Apr 293 min read


Writing, Designing, and Connecting: My Journey in Storytelling
To Write: Translating Ideas into Words Before I articulate my thoughts and ideas, I write. Writing has always been my escape, my safe space, my comfort. It shows up in my notes app, the back of receipts, and scrap paper I find in the printery at work. It emerges in the quiet moments between overthinking and a breakthrough. Writing allows me to translate what lives in the body into something someone else can read, understand, and feel. Truthfully, sometimes my writing is rippe

Nell Rodney
Dec 3, 20254 min read


Accessible App Design Strategies for Success
Creating digital experiences that welcome everyone is more than a trend , it’s a responsibility. When I think about designing apps, I want them to feel like a warm invitation, not a closed door. That’s why accessible app design strategies are essential. They ensure that every user, regardless of ability or background, can engage fully and joyfully. Let’s explore how to make this happen with intention and care. Why Accessible App Design Strategies Matter Imagine walking into a

Nell Rodney
Nov 17, 20254 min read


The Em Dash: A Writer's Secret Weapon
We’re in a very funny moment in writing right now. Every time someone shares something polished or well-structured online, the comments section reeks of “Is this AI?” I, too, have been guilty of this assumption. But why can't it just be excellent writing from the fingertips of a human? As AI reshapes how we create and consume content, our brains have seemingly been wired to "detect" the telltale signs of robot enhancement. And apparently, the greatest telltale sign is the em

Nell Rodney
Nov 12, 20254 min read


Achieving Success with Creative Problem Solving
When challenges arise, how do you respond? Do you see obstacles as roadblocks or as invitations to explore new paths? I’ve found that embracing innovative solutions techniques can transform the way we approach problems, turning uncertainty into opportunity. It’s not just about finding any answer. It’s about discovering the right answer, one that resonates deeply and drives meaningful progress. Let’s embark on a journey together to uncover how these techniques can empower you

Nell Rodney
Nov 9, 20254 min read


Why Microcopy Matters: How the Right Words Shape User Experience.
“You never know a good thing until it’s gone” —a very popular quote that implies we often fail to appreciate the value of something, especially the little things, until we no longer have them. In a world where digital tools shape so much of our experience, even the simplest line of text can affect how we feel, decide, and engage. This is why microcopy deserves more than a passing glance. We rarely notice the phrases like “Thanks for shopping with us!” or “You are here.” unti

Nell Rodney
Aug 26, 20254 min read


Content-First vs Design-First: Which Approach Works Best for UX Writers?
Error Screens & Empty States: Guiding Users Back on Track designed by author. Forget the chicken and the egg. The real debate is whether a content-first or design-first approach should lead the UX writing and content design process. The debate over content first vs design first continues to shape how UX writers and designers collaborate. If you ask me, it’s content. Always. Before I think about layout or visual elements, I want to understand the user. Who they are, what th

Nell Rodney
Jul 22, 20255 min read


5-Minute Creativity Sprint: How to Solve Problems Faster with This Quick Exercise
What if just five minutes a day could make you a sharper, faster, more innovative thinker? You don’t need hours of deep work or a stroke of genius to unlock creativity—just a quick, structured sprint to train your brain like a muscle. The 5-Minute Creativity Sprint is a simple but powerful exercise designed to break mental blocks, spark fresh ideas, and improve problem-solving skills. Best of all? It’s fun, fast, and works anywhere—whether you’re at your desk, in a coffee sho

Nell Rodney
Jan 24, 20253 min read


The Creative Detective: How to Solve Everyday Problems Creatively
Have you ever struggled to find your iPhone? I mean really struggled. There's no "find my iPhone", no Apple Watch, no AirTag, and guess what? Silent mode is on. Now, you have a real problem to solv e, the case of the missing iPhone . Will you approach the search and rescue mission haphazardly or do you have a structured plan? What about thinking like a detective by observing, questioning assumptions, using pattern recognition, connecting the dots, and experimenting? These cri

Nell Rodney
Jan 9, 20255 min read


Returning to Writing After a Break | Finding Clarity & Moving Forward
I’m back! After a long three months away from publishing, I’m thrilled to return!

Nell Rodney
Jan 5, 20253 min read


The Rise of AI: Are We Sacrificing Our Creative Minds to Technology
Artificial Intelligence has been a trending subject for some time now. While some people leverage it to boost their creativity and efficiency, others depend on it unquestioningly. Conversely, there are those who shun it as if it were a modern-day plague. In which group do you belong? As a new UX designer and a content writer who is still learning and producing without a team, AI acts as my indispensable assistant, my Girl Friday. She functions as my highly efficient and relia

Nell Rodney
Sep 1, 20244 min read


The Future of User Experience | Revolutionizing UX for a New Era
The landscape of user experience design is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by rapid advancements in technology and an ever-evolving understanding of human behavior. As we stand on the cusp of a new era, the question isn't just about how we can improve UX today, but about how we can revolutionize it for tomorrow. In this bold exploration, we’ll dive deep into the future of UX design, uncovering emerging trends, innovative technologies, and transformative strategies that are

Nell Rodney
Aug 11, 20243 min read


Jumpstart the Journey: How to Create a Seamless User Onboarding Experience That Surprises & Delights
Crafting a seamless onboarding experience for your mobile app is crucial for establishing a strong connection with users. A well-thought-out onboarding process can significantly impact user engagement and loyalty. By providing clear guidance and showcasing the value of your app early on, you can increase user satisfaction and reduce churn rates. Let's dive in to discover how you can optimize your onboarding process for maximum user impact. Image of onboarding screens designed

Nell Rodney
Aug 10, 20243 min read


Can AI-Powered Design Features Boost User Engagement and Interaction?
Yes! Well, that's the short answer . Continue reading for a deeper dive. AI-powered design features have completely revolutionized the way users interact with websites and digital platforms. By analyzing user behavior and delivering personalized experiences, AI stands as a powerful tool in significantly enhancing user engagement. This transformative technology not only improves user experience but also streamlines processes, making interactions more intuitive and efficient.

Nell Rodney
Aug 9, 20243 min read


Exploring the Impact of Microinteractions: Enhancing UX Through Small Details.
It's often the small details that create the most significant impact. Micro-interactions, those tiny, often unnoticed moments within a user interface, play a crucial role in creating a seamless and enjoyable user experience. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of micro-interactions in UX design, discussing how they can enhance functionality, provide feedback, and add a layer of personality to digital products. We'll also highlight practical examples and offer tips

Nell Rodney
Aug 7, 20243 min read


Data-Driven UX Design: How to Design with Confidence
Data-Driven UX Design is a strategic methodology that relies on the systematic collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative.

Nell Rodney
Aug 2, 20243 min read
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