In 2008, Jeffrey Zeldman, founder of A List Apart, stated, “Content precedes design. Design in the absence of content is not design, it is decoration.” Thus, the content first approach was born. Visitors are coming to your site to consume your content. While it’s satisfying to look at designs, it isn’t an effective approach to creating digital experiences.
Imagine how much less rework is necessary if the content structure is defined up front. And if rather than meaningless lorem ipsum, real content is available to UX and design. We no longer have to force our content into designs, but rather we can create designs that accommodate our content.
In this session we will discuss the content first approach, its utilization for building more effective interdisciplinary teams, and how it results in better user experience. While content first may not always seem practical, let’s not give up entirely. Content first allows the content and design to blend together in a harmonious creative process.
Learning Objectives:
What is the content first approach, and what process should we consider?
What are the benefits, both technical and organizational?
What are the implications for implementing a content first approach?