Download - Pair writing: how to collaborate closely on content with subject matter experts – UX Scotland 2016
how to collaborate closely on content with subject matter experts
Pair writing:
UX Scotland 2016 Friday, 10th June – Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
Richard Ingram
.com
Content Strategist and Information Designer
@richardjingram
Inspired by the agile technique of pair programming
What ispair writing?
Designing content together with another person from the same source document.
What ispair writing?
We need input from subject matter experts to ensure our content is accurate and meets user needs.
We need input from subject matter experts to ensure our content is accurate and meets user needs.
FINAL
Subject matter expert
Content Designer
Subject matter expert
Pair writing encourages collaboration right from the start of the content design process.
Pair writing encourages collaboration right from the start of the content design process.
Pair writers put a positive form of pressure on each other. They don’t want to let their
Pair pressure
Pair writing encourages effective negotiations between partners with their own set of skills, experience, opinions and assumptions
Pair negotiation
Receiving support and approval from eachpartners the confidence to do things they might be afraid of doing alone.
Pair courage
Pair writing ensures that knowledge is constantly being passed between writing partners. take turns being the teacher and the student.
Pair knowledge
When we practice pair writing, we won’t remember who wrote each line.shared ownership of the content.
Activity 1What do you find difficult about writing alone?
2 minutes
Task: Briefly write down the different challenges you face when
writing alone.
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Time’s up!
Question: Which recurring themes emerged?
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Activity 2Pair drawing
2 minutes
Task: Pair draw a face. Decide between you who will start.
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Time’s up!
Stop drawing!
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2 minutes
Task: Pair draw another face. Whoever started the first drawing
goes second.
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🕓Time’s up!
Question: What did you think of pair drawing?
Activity 3Quick-fire pair writing
•Say “I think…” to propose an idea
•Ask “Do we agree…?” to confirm agreement
•Say “We agree…” to discuss progress towards goals
•Avoid saying “No, but…”; Instead try saying, “Yes and…”
2 minutes
Task: Choose a topic you and your partner would like to write about.
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🕓Time’s up!
Task: Choose who between you will assume the role of writer and editor.
5 minutes
Task: Pair write!
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5 minutes
Task: Switch roles.
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5 minutes
Task: Switch roles back again.
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🕓Time’s up!
Question: What did you think of pair writing?
Try to focus on content that supports the completion of top tasks
Getting started withpair writing.
Try to work with your allies to prove the technique works.
Getting started withpair writing.
Try to practice in environment, where failure is seen as part of the journey.
Getting started withpair writing.
Pair writing cuts the hours subject matter experts will spend alone on unedited drafts.
Pair writing sessions ensure tangible progress.
Pair writing encourages subject matter experts to fully take part in user research.
Returning to Activity 1What do you find difficult about writing alone?
.com@richardjingram
Thank you, Edinburgh!