Systems of Harm

To round off the series, I’m speaking to coach, speaker and author of Technically Wrong and Design for Real Life, Sara Wachter-Boettcher. Sara and I talk about why those of us working on design systems are so vulnerable to burnout and what we can do to prevent it. We talk about the importance of living your values, advocating for what’s right, and - crucially - knowing when to quit. Episode links https://www.activevoicehq.com/ Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraboettcher/ Design for Real Life: https://abookapart.com/products/design-for-real-life.html Technically Wrong: https://bookshop.org/p/books/technically-wrong-sexist-apps-biased-algorithms-and-other-threats-of-toxic-tech-sara-wachter-boettcher/11186625?ean=9780393356045&next=t&source=IndieBound&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sarawb.com%2F Content Everywhere: https://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/content-everywhere/

Is ADHD a barrier to working on design systems, or is it actually a superpower? In this episode, I talk to Brad Frost, creator, web designer, teacher, speaker and writer about his recent experience of being diagnosed with ADHD, and what the past few years have taught him about resilience and self-compassion. Episode links https://bradfrost.com/ Brad’s blog post on ADHD: https://bradfrost.com/blog/post/adhd/ Brad on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bradfrost.com Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfrost/ Design tokens course: https://designtokenscourse.com/ Atomic design certification course: https://atomicdesigncourse.com/ Brad’s newsletter: bradfrost.com/newsletter/ Wake up excited podcast: https://wakeupexcited.show/

What role do design systems play in supporting people navigating big life events and transitions? In this special episode, I move into the guest seat to discuss a recent life change I’ve been through, with help from special guest host and friend of the pod, Luke Murphy. amyhupe.co.uk Amy on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/amyhupe.bsky.social

How do design systems fit into wider social and political systems when it comes to gender, and the inclusion (or exclusion) of trans people? How do they perpetuate exclusion, and what can those of us working on design systems do to mitigate it? I talk to Lou Downe, author of the best-selling book, Good Services, about their experience of trans-exclusion, and using service and systems design to advocate for equity. Episode links https://good.services/ Lou on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lou-downe-757a83b/

How can design systems help us to create more accessible user experiences? How can we win hearts and minds in the fight to create more equitable experiences for disabled people? Will AI help or hinder us in the process? In this episode I talk to accessibility specialist Léonie Watson, Founder and Director of Tetralogical, Chair of the W3C Board of Directors, and co-Chair of the W3C Web Applications Working Group. Léonie shares her experience as a blind person, including how technology has created both barriers and opportunities. Episode links https://tink.uk/ Tetralogical blog: http://tetralogical.com/blog Léonie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lwatson/ Léonie on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tink.uk