Get oriented (object-oriented that is)

Object-oriented content frameworks act as hidden scaffolding. A UX writer leans into this approach by treating content like modular building blocks—discrete, reusable objects defined by their purpose and relationships. Start with the user’s journey: map their needs against the product’s goals, then break the interface into components like buttons, modals, or tooltips. Each piece gets a clear role—say, a CTA drives action, a tooltip clarifies context—linked by consistent logic. This method turns chaos into systems, letting teams scale without losing coherence.

Introducing this to a team hinges on timing and clarity. Present the framework as a fix, not a mandate: show how it solves real problems, like slashing edit rounds or aligning cross-functional efforts. Lay it out in a shared space—Notion, Figma, wherever the crew is. Pair it with a lightweight guide: define each content type, its rules, and how it connects. Keep it practical—teams resist theory without results.

Roll it out incrementally. Start with one feature or flow, test it, then expand. Data backs the case: track metrics like user engagement or time-to-task completion to prove the system works. Collaboration fuels it—loop in designers, PMs, and engineers early to refine the structure. It's a living framework that evolves with the product.