I got the content design glimmer in my eye while working as a lead copywriter and content strategist with Uber. In the midst of writing and strategizing for a campaign launch, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the company’s UX writers on voice, tone, and terminology. This collaboration introduced me to a world in which I could have a conversation with users by creating valuable, frictionless, research-driven experiences to help them achieve their goals. My data-obsessed mind needed to be a part of it. Through copywriting, I had years of experience talking at users—working to convince them to take an action (use a product, sign up for an email list, spend money, affectionately gawk at our branding) and while there was some research to drive our work, it was often tough to quantify exactly what worked for a user and why. I felt compelled to understand their needs, goals, and pain points. I wanted to be the one to help make their life simple, fun, and frictionless—at least while they’re using our product. Simply put, I want to work for the user, rather than convince the user to work for me.