Writers in Tech

💬 Episode Description:
In this episode of Writers in Tech, we sit down with Marie Van Ogtrop, Director of Product Writing at Duolingo, to talk about building emotionally resonant content, scaling UX writing through AI, and creating consistency across a fast-moving product. Marie shares the story behind Copybot, Duolingo’s internal AI-powered writing tool, and how it allows product teams to write on-brand, delightful copy—without overwhelming the content team.
We also talk about:
Why words are a business tool, not just decoration
How clear writing reflects clear thinking
“Meeting the moment” as a core UX writing principle
The power of internal documentation and style guides
Why AI won't replace writers—but it will expand their reach
Using writing as a prompt design superpower
Childhood stories, abandoned first chapters, and writing aspirations
👥 Guest: Marie Van Ogtrop on LinkedIn
📌 Host: Brought to you by the UX Writing Hub
📍 Timestamps:
00:00 – Opening quote: “We can impact user outcomes on a grander scale”
01:34 – How UX writing differentiates apps in a crowded market
04:09 – Building content consistency across teams
06:28 – Quality review systems for content
07:40 – The “You are correct” story and improving emotional resonance
10:00 – Copy and business metrics: “Words can move numbers”
11:30 – Educating the market about the value of UX writing
13:11 – Prompt design is writing—writers are natural AI communicators
17:18 – How Duolingo built Copybot, an internal AI-powered product writer
20:00 – Balancing AI tools and human creativity in writing
22:59 – Marie’s writing dreams and childhood story ideas
25:06 – What inspires Marie today as a product writer

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In this episode of Writers in Tech, host Yuval Keshtcher speaks with Hunter Gebron, a seasoned UX writer with extensive experience in the FinTech and blockchain sectors. They discuss the significant presence of UX writers in FinTech, the challenges of communicating complex blockchain terminology, and the importance of building trust with users in financial applications.

Hunter shares insights from his journey in UX writing, including his experiences at Meta and Kraken, and emphasizes the need for clear communication and user research in content design. In this conversation, Hunter discusses his experiences in content design, particularly in the context of his work at Kraken and the evolving role of AI in the industry.

He reflects on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI tools, the importance of strategic thinking in content design, and the potential for building scalable content design systems. The discussion also touches on the future of product design and the necessity for designers to adapt to new technologies.

Episode Summary
In this groundbreaking episode, host Yuval Keshtcher speaks with Megan Legawiec about the emerging field of trauma-informed content design. They explore how digital products can be designed with awareness of user trauma, making experiences safer and more accessible for everyone. Megan explains the core principles, shares practical examples, and offers resources for designers looking to implement these practices.

Check out our free content design courseIntroduction
Yuval introduces Megan Legawiec, a senior content designer who has worked in real estate, cybersecurity, and AI
They explain this is a dedicated episode on trauma-informed content design after briefly discussing it in a previous recording
Originated in psychotherapy with 5-7 guiding principles
Adapted first to physical spaces through architectural guidelines
Now being applied to digital spaces where people spend significant time
Approximately 70% of the world's population will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime
An estimated 5-8% develop PTSD
Applies to all digital experiences, not just mental health applications
Examples include:
Safety
Trustworthiness and Transparency
Peer Support, Collaboration, and Mutuality
Empowerment and Choice
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Considerations
Builds trust with users
Creates more loyal user base
Makes experiences accessible to more people
Correlates with best practices in UX design
Can be implemented incrementally
Books:
Training:
Megan responds to audience questions from LinkedIn about implementation strategies
Yuval teases an upcoming live conference in Europe (September 2025)
Produced by the UX Writing Hub
What is Trauma-Informed Content Design?Key ApplicationsCore Tenets of Trauma-Informed DesignBusiness Case for ImplementationRecommended ResourcesClosing

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I had a huge pleasure in having Balasubramanyn Meenakshisundaram at the Writers in Tech podcast.

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How does a tech support specialist evolve into a content designer? In this episode, we dive deep with a veteran tech writer who's mastered the art of user-centered documentation across telecom, healthcare, and SaaS. From crafting product docs in agile environments to becoming a sought-after content strategist, our guest shares insights on finding your voice in technical writing while maintaining that crucial human touch.

Step into the world of AI companionship with Jason F. Gilbert, where robots aren't just machines – they're life-changing friends for older adults. Through his work at Intuition Robotics, Jason shares candid stories about Elliq, a companion robot helping seniors fight loneliness and stay sharp. His journey from writing Disney's Miss Piggy chatbot to crafting conversations for elder care reveals the human side of AI development. Get ready for an eye-opening chat about building trust, handling user feedback (including the tough moments), and why sometimes, the most powerful feature can be as simple as offering a virtual hug. This isn't just another tech talk – it's a story about using words and AI to make real connections when they matter most.