Copy Cats

Patrick Stafford, CEO of the UX Content Collective knows a thing or two about storytelling, shaping digital experiences and building strategy. Here he speaks to Drew about his journey in the content space, why there’s a time and a place for AI, and the key to standing out from other content designers.For content design and UX writing courses, coaching, resources and more, visit:UX Content Collective00:00 Introduction to Patrick Stafford and UX Content Collective03:10 The Evolution of Content Strategy05:52 The Global Reach of UX Content Collective09:00 The Impact of AI on Content Design11:46 Embracing AI in Content Design14:38 The Future of Conversational Design17:45 Skills Gaps in Content Design20:47 The Importance of Technical Knowledge in Content Design34:31 Building Relationships and Influence in Teams34:34 Impressive Content Executions and Learning from Others38:37 Evaluating Excellent Content Experiences41:35 Writing for Fun and Personal Projects43:16 Essential Tools for Content Designers47:04 The Role of Content Designers in Technical Environments50:49 Language and Communication in Professional Settings

Patrick Fagan, a leading behavioural scientist and marketing psychology expert, unveils how language, symbols, and social cues drive human behaviour. He talks to Drew about the art of “nudging” and its impact on advertising and social media. The conversation also addresses why simple design tweaks can make your message more persuasive - and the transformative potential of AI in content creation and customer segmentation.Check out: nudgepanel.com00:00 Introduction to Behavioral Science in Marketing03:02 The Journey into Behavioral Science07:58 Nudge Sprints and Research Methodologies10:26 The Power of Language in Influencing Behavior13:53 Surprising Insights in Behavioral Science15:23 Attention Spans and Information Processing19:57 The Impact of AI on Behavioral Science23:44 Redesigning Digital Communication25:03 The Emotional Impact of Social Media26:12 Behavioral Science and Viral Messaging27:25 The Power of Simplicity in Communication28:29 Essential Tools for Creatives29:16 The Future of Insights Tools30:45 Food and Creativity31:04 Unpopular Opinions on Media Consumption32:08 The Purpose of Brands34:30 Influencing Behavior Through Messaging36:22 Overused Words in Communication

Drew speaks to Pete Kowalczyk, an award-winning writer who was recently recognised in the 'UK's Top 10 Conversational AI practitioners list' by Conversational AI News.Topics covered in this pod include the intricacies of conversational AI, the evolution of content design, and the future of digital communication. Pete also discusses his work at GOV.UK, where he is at the forefront of integrating AI into public services, aiming to enhance accessibility and efficiency and set new standards for government communication and service delivery.Follow Pete’s AI Studio blog: https://alphagov.github.io/govuk-ai/Pete is speaking at the Lead with Tempo conference at the Barbican, London this September: https://www.leadwithtempo.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Conversational Design01:22 Understanding the Role of a Conversation Designer03:42 The Evolution of Conversational Design08:49 Journey Mapping in a Probabilistic Environment13:41 Building Trust and Transparency in AI23:00 The Importance of Character in AI Interactions33:35 Skills for Aspiring Conversational Designers39:17 The Future of Conversational Design in Government

Drew converses with a seasoned wordsmith and author Andrew Boulton, about the nuances of creative language, the evolving role of copywriting, and the impact of technology on the craft. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be a copywriter today.Check out Andrew's books:Copywriting Is...30-or-so Thoughts on Thinking like a CopywriterAdele Writes an Ad

In this episode, we speak to Margo Stern, author of "Good Job: Designing Interviews and Interviewing in Design", and Staff Content Designer at Lyft.As well as explaining how interviews can be approached as design problems, she discusses the impact of AI on content design, and explains why the content design roadshow is dead!Get your copy of the 'Good Job...' book

In this episode, Drew welcomes Mike Osborne, the visionary behind Accessible Me, an organisation dedicated to creating a more inclusive world. Mike shares his personal journey from aspiring animator to accessibility advocate, driven by his experiences with neurodivergence and a passion for digital equity. The conversation delves into the importance of inclusive design, the impact of accessibility on content creation, and the future role of AI in enhancing accessibility. Join us for an inspiring discussion on making products more human and accessible for all.00:00 Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusion07:42 Mike's Personal Journey and Motivation16:37 The Importance of Inclusive Design22:08 Accessibility vs. Inclusive Design28:23 The Role of AI in Accessibility34:04 Quickfire Questions and Final Thoughts

Kristina Halvorson, founder of Confab and Button and leader at Brain Traffic, joins us to talk content strategy and content operations. She tackles how to ask the right strategic questions, align teams, preparing for content for emerging AI tools and why curiosity (not complaints) advances our field. Button 2025, the content design conference takes place on October 22-24.Music by TimMoor from PixabayYouTube/Twitter: @copycatspodInstagram: copy_cats_podcast

Engineering lead, senior stack developer and technology obsessive Pete DeLaurentis is the man behind new text editor, TextJam. We spoke to him about how the tool helps make life easier for writers - and why he was determined to ensure it's fun to use.Pete also shared knowledge nuggets on the power of different AI models, his frustration with LinkedIn...and his link to Harry Potter!Music by TimMoor from PixabayTwitter: @copycatspodInstagram: copy_cats_podcast

Multi-disciplinary designer, Jon Yablonski is the author behind the Laws of UX and creator of Humane by Design.We caught up with the man from @Mixpanel to discuss, among other things, his overwhelming passion for designing tools that empower people, and what happens when technology gets in the way of good design.Music by TimMoor from PixabayTwitter: @copycatspod

Gregg Bernstein is Lead User Researcher at Webflow and author of the book "Research Practice: Perspectives from UX researchers in a changing field".We caught up with the Georgia-based, user-centered design expert to discuss the role of UX copywriters in research, his own love for writing - plus what it takes to hire a great researcher.Music by TimMoor from PixabayTwitter: @copycatspod

Google UX Writer and Content Strategist Torrey Podmajersky is author of strategic writing for UX and an expert on conversion engaging, supporting and attracting users.Here she talks to us about techniques for measuring and selling the value of copy, creating standards and dealing with business goals versus customer goals.Music by TimMoor from PixabayTwitter: @copycatspod

Our very first guest on the Copy Cats podcast is Whitney Quesenbery, the co-author of A Web for Everyone: Designing Accessible User Experiences.The co-founder of the Centre for Civic Design talks to us about (among other things) the value of personas, the role of accessibility on the US voting experience, and the importance of design literacy.Music by TimMoor from PixabayTwitter: @copycatspod

Copy cats trailer