Words That Delight

In addition to updating features for Alexa apps and devices, I predicted and iterated how diverse audiences would trigger Samuel L Jackson’s voiced responses.

Challenge

Users experienced Alexa as robotic and transactional. The goal was to infuse personality into the voice assistant while maintaining clarity and utility—especially for features like the Samuel L. Jackson celebrity voice.

My role

As creative UX writer on the Alexa Personality Team, I designed conversational VUI (Voice User Interface) utterances that felt natural, on-brand, and delightful. I collaborated with engineers, product managers, and voice designers to ensure every interaction considered context, user intent, and technical constraints.

Process

  • Analyzed user feedback and interaction data to identify friction points

  • Mapped user flows for features like "unofficial holidays" experiences

  • Wrote and iterated on microcopy based on usability testing

  • Ensured all copy met accessibility and inclusivity standards

Solution

I developed natural-language scripts for features including the Samuel L. Jackson voice, reducing required voice-acting studio hours while maintaining authenticity. I also updated UX content across the Alexa app and screened devices.

Impact

The celebrity voices feature drove significant user engagement and media attention, demonstrating that personality in voice interfaces can coexist with clarity. My process improvements streamlined content requests across teams.

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