Writers in Tech

Trauma-Informed Content Design

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.

Episode Notes

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Introduction

• 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

What is Trauma-Informed Content Design?

• 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

Key Applications

• Applies to all digital experiences, not just mental health applications
• Examples include:
  • Spotify's feature to skip certain artists or songs (addressing audio memory triggers)
  • FinTech forms designed to be accessible for those with financial insecurity
  • Social media platforms and content warnings

Core Tenets of Trauma-Informed Design

1. Safety
   • Clear wayfinding and information architecture
   • No surprises - use microcopy to explain what's coming next
   • Content warnings for potentially distressing material
   • Emergency exits (for domestic violence sites, mental health resources)
2. Trustworthiness and Transparency
   • Clear error handling
   • Setting expectations
   • Explaining why personal information is being requested
   • Consistency in CTAs and language throughout the experience
3. Peer Support, Collaboration, and Mutuality
   • Include support resources for potentially activating content
   • Use "we" language (e.g., "Let's get your claim submitted" vs. "Submit your claim")
   • Incorporate appropriate user stories and social proof
4. Empowerment and Choice
   • Progress bars for long processes
   • Options to save progress and return later
   • Control over notifications
   • Adding appropriate friction at key decision points
5. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Considerations
   • Avoid gendered language
   • Use inclusive language and representative imagery
   • Don't force gender identification
   • Provide open-ended options for self-identification

Business Case for Implementation

• 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

Recommended Resources

• Books:
  • "Designed with Care" edited by Rachel Edwards (with contributors Michelle Keller, Jane McFadden, Steph Mann, Sarah Winters, Kate Everett)
  • "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk
  • "The Myth of Normal" by Gabor Maté
  • "It Didn't Start With You" by Mark Wolynn
• Training:
  • The Patterns Institute (trauma-informed research certification)

Closing

• 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