Navigating first principles

For a UX writer at a company, defining first principles isn’t just philosophy—it’s a practical lifeline. It’s about finding the unshakeable truths that guide every word, no matter the product or team.

Start with the user. Not the features, not the tech, but the human on the other side. A first principle might be: “People need clarity to act.” That’s not negotiable—whether it’s a button saying “Save” or a form hint nudging “Enter your email.” From there, you dig into the company’s core. What’s the mission? If it’s about trust—like at a fintech—every phrase must radiate security. “Your money’s safe” beats “Processing…” every time. These truths aren’t fluffy; they’re bedrock.

The process feels like detective work. You sift through user research—quantitative stuff like click rates, qualitative gold like interview transcripts. You ask: What does this company solve? Why do users care? At a travel app, a principle might emerge: “Travelers crave confidence.” That shapes “Book Now” over “Continue,” because it’s decisive, not vague. You’re not guessing—you’re reasoning from what’s essential.

Then, you codify it. Write it down in a style guide or a shared doc—artifacts that anchor the team. It’s not about control; it’s about alignment. Designers and devs lean on these principles when debates flare up. “Does this fit our truth?” becomes the litmus test. Over time, it’s less about rewriting and more about refining, letting those first principles steer through noise and scale. It’s how a UX writer turns chaos into coherence—one clear, grounded word at a time.