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.

Check out our free content design courseIntroduction

• 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

• 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

• Applies to all digital experiences, not just mental health applications
• Examples include:

1. Safety
2. Trustworthiness and Transparency
3. Peer Support, Collaboration, and Mutuality
4. Empowerment and Choice
5. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Considerations

• 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

• Books:
• Training:

• 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

What is Trauma-Informed Content Design?Key ApplicationsCore Tenets of Trauma-Informed DesignBusiness Case for ImplementationRecommended ResourcesClosing