To Format or Not to Format?
Collaboration is essential for team success and improving how organizations work as Forbes points out.
But when people have different work styles, backgrounds, or preferences, it can create misunderstandings and process friction, particularly around how information is shared and presented.
As a content writer, I’ve experienced this firsthand while working with my sister, a talented digital artist 10 years younger than me. Despite our complementary skills—me with words, her with visuals—our approaches often differ:
- I focus on content clarity and structure.
- She prefers adding visual elements to make the information more engaging.
This leads to a familiar debate: When working together, should we prioritize clear content, or is visual presentation just as important?
Format-Focused Flow
For my sister, formatting is a big deal. She grew up using visual platforms like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, TikTok, and Instagram, so she naturally gravitates toward making things look good. Many learners, especially those who absorb knowledge by seeing and doing—making up 65% of the population—may feel the same way.
Aligned with this, did you know that visual learners are 40% more likely to use visual project management tools? Customizing fonts, colors, and layouts while creating content helps them stay connected to their ideas. This simultaneous focus on content and presentation allows for a more cohesive creative process.
Content Comes First Approach
As for me, I believe that substance should always come first. Clear, well-structured content is essential, with formatting taking a backseat.
When I spend too much time on design, my workflow slows down and inconsistencies start to appear. Focusing excessively on formatting can drain my energy, especially after a long writing session. Instead, I prefer to finish my writing first and then go back to add any necessary styling. This way, I can focus on the message before worrying about how it looks.
As Robert Lee Brewer wisely says, "Don’t let format dictate the shape of your writing; let your writing dictate the shape it takes." This means letting ideas flow naturally instead of boxing them into strict templates or formatting rules.
Finding Balance with Living Spec
Over time, my sister and I have learned that a balanced approach brings the best results. I focus on creating clear content, while she adds her creative touch with design. While this approach works well for the two of us, larger teams often struggle when everyone has their own way of formatting. This can lead to constant changes, wasting time and causing confusion.
In software development, tools like Prettier help by automatically standardizing code formatting, ensuring everyone is on the same page while still allowing for creativity. The same idea applies to collaborative writing. By setting clear standards and using the right tools, you can avoid reformatting headaches.
This is where you can take advantage of Living Spec. Our platform offers user-friendly features that help you and your team focus on your ideas without getting bogged down by complicated formatting.
Curious to see how it works?
- Sign up for a free Living Spec account, if you haven’t already.
- Create a document and invite your teammates to collaborate.
- Explore the features to customize your content and let your ideas flow.
Once you see your thoughts come to life, blending clarity with creativity, you might want to consider leveling up. Upgrading to our SpecCer or SpecTacular plans will give you access to even more features and support that can enhance your collaborative experience and elevate your projects.