Two Frameworks. One Purpose: Scalable Content Systems That Work.
Content-First Advantage™ and SignalScale™ are diagnostic frameworks built to assess your team’s readiness to scale content systems—both human-centered and AI-powered.
Grounded in research and enterprise experience, each applies a proven scoring model to identify gaps, align solution tracks, and guide your org toward scalable, future-ready systems.
Because if your foundation is flawed, scaling only amplifies what’s broken.
Our philosophy is simple: Assess. Diagnose. Prepare. Scale.
With each score mapped to a service path, we’re the first consultancy offering a research-backed, actionable roadmap for the future of content and AI.

Led by Sarah Johnson, Founder, Director & Author of Content-first Design
Design smarter products with a framework that starts where it matters most—your message. The Content-First Advantage helps teams align structure, flow, and UX around real user needs from day one. No more placeholder content. No more “we’ll write it later.”
💡 Who it’s for:
Product teams struggling with misaligned workflows, rushed launches, and content chaos.
☑️ What you’ll get:
- Strategic kickoff and discovery
- Content audits and user research
- Collaborative, message-driven UX design
- Implementation and QA with real content
Tailored for today’s teams. Designed to drive tomorrow’s outcomes.

Led by Ian Richards, Strategic Content & AI Systems Architect
AI is only as good as your structure. The AI Readiness Framework helps content and UX teams evaluate their readiness across structure, strategy, operations, and ethics—so they don’t just plug in tools, but actually scale them responsibly.
💡 Who it’s for:
Teams looking to harness AI without compromising clarity, governance, or inclusion.
☑️ What you’ll get:
- A diagnostic scorecard and visual report
- Scalable content systems design
- Prompt frameworks tailored to your tools
- Custom hybrid plans to support implementation
Frameworks you can trust. Experts who build them.
From Framework to Impact: Engagements Built to Scale With You
Our frameworks are more than diagnostics—they’re the launchpad for tailored consulting engagements. Whether you’re untangling legacy content, scaling AI responsibly, or aligning siloed teams, we eliminate guesswork and meet you exactly where you are.
These assessments don’t just score your systems—they chart solution paths that help you scale smarter and integrate AI the right way.
Clarity, Not Guesswork. Pricing That Builds Trust.
You won’t find vague estimates or endless upcharges here. Every engagement is scoped with transparency, aligned to your goals, and grounded in real outcomes. Whether you’re just getting started or deep into transformation, we meet you with a plan—not a pitch.
Discovery Workshop
Starting at/
$3,500
A strategic kickoff session to uncover system gaps and align your team with clarity.
- Align stakeholders around content and AI challenges
- Identify friction points across tools, teams, or workflows
- Walk away with a clear next-step action plan
Full Framework Engagement
Ranging from/
$7,500-$25,000
A strategic kickoff session to uncover system gaps and align your team with clarity.
- Align stakeholders on current content and AI challenges
- Identify friction points across tools, teams, or workflows
- Walk away with a clear next-step action plan
Sustain & Scale
Custom pricing
Stay supported as you scale. We provide flexible, high-impact guidance designed for momentum.
- Strategic QA, iteration, and adoption support
- Optional hands-on implementation and training
- Long-term advisory access to ensure real results
Insights from the leaders who’ve seen the frameworks, used the tools, and shaped the future with us.
Trusted by the Voices Shaping Content and UX
I value this approach for how it reframes collaboration as a strategic necessity, not a nice-to-have. It means starting where it actually matters.
This isn’t just a new take on content. It’s a much-needed framework for how we think, build, and lead. This is the kind of clarity our field has been missing.
Finally, a methodology that puts content at the center of digital design—right where it belongs. This approach is grounded, practical, and long overdue.
This isn’t just theory—it’s a real-world guide every content designer needs. Practical, proven, and built for the challenges we actually face.
FAQs
Helping You Navigate the Future of Content-First Design
We get it—change prompts questions. This section breaks down what’s new, how it works, and why our frameworks matter now more than ever.
We’ve streamlined our services around two core frameworks: The Content-First Advantage™ and SignalScale™. Each one solves different content challenges—but they’re built on a shared philosophy of clarity, scale, and real human impact.
Not at all. While they're built to scale across enterprise environments, they’re just as effective for startups and mid-size teams looking to build strong foundations before scaling.
The Content-First Advantage™ focuses on team alignment, structure, and human-centered systems. SignalScale™ zeroes in on AI readiness—integrating automation, governance, and content operations for the future. Both can work independently or in tandem.
Yes. Every engagement is tailored to your org’s size, maturity, and goals. The diagnostic is standard; how we apply it is entirely flexible.
You’ll leave with a clear scorecard, a prioritized roadmap, and tangible next steps aligned to your team’s capacity—plus optional implementation or training support if needed.
Yes. Workshops are still available and will soon be offered as package options alongside our framework services. If you're interested in team training or a standalone workshop, reach out—we’re happy to tailor the right experience for your goals.
Absolutely. While the frameworks are our flagship approach, we continue to offer standalone services in AI integration, UX writing, and content strategy. Whether you need a targeted audit, hands-on support, or a custom solution, just contact us to start the conversation.
Still have questions? We’re happy to walk you through it.
Before Content-First Design was a business, it was a belief system—
A philosophy shaped over two decades and distilled into this book. It’s the foundation for everything we offer: scalable systems, strategic frameworks, and the clarity teams need to design smarter—human-first and future-ready.
📖 Order now at: Amazon | XMLPress | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble
OR
Provocative takes, field-tested strategies, and sharp insights on content, UX, and AI—from the ones building what’s next.
Ian Richards Ian Richards is a content designer and strategist specializing in UX writing, AI-driven storytelling, and content-first thinking. Follow Ian for insights on content, UX, and the future…
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