Why Isn’t Contribution The Answer? Design Systems WTF podcast

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Detach instance is a concept that has stuck fear into the hearts of design systems folks since the beginning. However, there are definitely instances where it’s totally ok to snowflake components! How should you deal with snowflakes in your system? How does this play into your overall view on flexibility, and can you actually use snowflakes as a way to determine what you should be working on?…

Design Systems WTF

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How much is too much documentation? 27:01

for 7 weeks siden27:01

27:01

Sometimes we may feel the urge to include everything in our documentation, to the point where it rivals Lord of the Rings for length and density. However, we may be doing ourselves a disservice! How much is too much documentation? How much is not enough documentation? Do we even need documentation at all? join us for the last Design Systems WTF of the year!…

Design Systems WTF

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Where should design systems sit in your org? 29:41

for 9 weeks siden29:41

29:41

Design systems should sit in the design team. Design systems should sit in the designops team. Design systems should sit in their own team. There are so many different options that are presented as the ‘truth’ when it comes to design systems and org design. Michelle and Luke are going to wade through the options, weigh up their merits and probably tear the entire thing down to the ground by the end of the half hour.…

Design Systems WTF

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Should we get rid of infinite scroll? 27:41

for 11 weeks siden27:41

27:41

Infinite scroll was designed to enhance the UX for browsing search results, but now it's often used to keep users endlessly engaged on social media. As concerns grow about its impact on mental health, especially among young people, it's time to reconsider its place in design systems. What responsibilities do we have as creators when our components contribute to these issues? In this episode, we’ll examine the ethical considerations of infinite scroll and other components, exploring how we can design more responsibly and promote healthier user experiences.…

Design Systems WTF

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Do design systems make teams go faster? 29:11

for 13 weeks siden29:11

29:11

Design systems are often hailed as the ultimate productivity boosters for devs and designers alike, but do they really deliver on that promise? We’ll explore whether design systems genuinely make teams more efficient or if they just add another layer of complexity. Tune in for a reality check on the true impact of design systems on team performance!…

Design Systems WTF

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Why isn’t contribution the answer? 28:59

for 15 weeks siden28:59

28:59

Contribution often seems like the perfect solution for scaling design systems, but is it really? We'll weigh the tough realities of managing contributions and why a federated system might not suit everyone. We'll explore the hurdles of contribution and how to decide if it's the right path for your team.…

Design Systems WTF

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Live from Converge 2025: When should we be using AI? 26:48

for 17 weeks siden26:48

26:48

Luke and Michelle come to you direct from Converge to talk about AI (again). Is there a place for AI in our design systems?

Design Systems WTF

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Why aren’t people contributing to the design system? 30:12

for 22 weeks siden30:12

30:12

If you're struggling to get contributions to your design system, you might think it’s a governance issue. But it might not be the real issue. In this episode, we'll consider why people aren't contributing and examine factors beyond governance that might be preventing contributions. We’ll discuss the motivations and barriers that impact participation and how to foster a thriving contributor community.…

Design Systems WTF

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Where can AI actually help with design systems? 27:18

for 23 weeks siden27:18

27:18

We're cutting through the AI hype and getting to the good stuff—practical ways AI can supercharge your design system. From streamlining workflows to generating documentation, we'll explore real-world applications of AI that can make your life easier. Plus, we’ll guide you through creating a custom GPT to assist with your design system needs. Are you leveraging AI to its full potential, or are you stuck in the buzzword bubble? Join us for insights and strategies to make AI work for you!…

Design Systems WTF

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Live from Hatch: Do we need to stop making components? 41:08

for 24 weeks siden41:08

41:08

In this episode, we’re challenging the status quo of design systems by questioning the necessity of components. Are we too focused on building and maintaining a library of components when we should be thinking bigger? What if our obsession with components is actually holding back innovation? Join us as we explore whether it’s time to shift our attention away from components and consider new ways to build flexibility, scalability, and creativity into our design systems.…

Design Systems WTF

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Why do we need to care more about patterns? 26:48

for 30 weeks siden26:48

26:48

In this episode, we’re focusing on patterns, the often-overlooked pillar of your design system. Why should we focus on patterns more than components? Are your components really as reusable as you think, or are they just static building blocks without a solid pattern to guide them?

Design Systems WTF

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How should we version design systems? 26:09

for 33 weeks siden26:09

26:09

In this episode, we explore the enigma that is design system versioning. How do we make sense of versioning? How do you sync versions between code, design, and documentation? Maybe it’s easier to ignore versioning, but at what cost?

Design Systems WTF

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Has AI made everyone a designer? A spicy conversation with Pablo Stanley 29:49

for 35 weeks siden29:49

29:49

AI tools are transforming the landscape, making it easier than ever to create and design. Is this making everyone a designer? Will design system makers have to herd even more cats? We’ll be joined by special guest Pablo Stanley , the brilliant co-founder of two AI-based design tools, Musho and Lummi . We’ll unpack the potential of AI-based design tools and some risks.…

Design Systems WTF

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WTF happened at Config? 29:07

for 37 weeks siden29:07

29:07

In this episode, we’re diving into the buzzworthy announcements and new feature releases that have the design community talking. We’ll share our opinions and insights on how these changes will impact design systems and workflows. Whether you missed the event or want a fresh perspective, tune in to catch up on all the highlights and WTF moments from Config!…

Design Systems WTF

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How do you prove the value of design systems? 28:40

for 39 weeks siden28:40

28:40

We tackle the fundamental question: “How do you prove the value of design systems?” What kind of metrics work? Why does the math seem so fuzzy? Are there any valid measurements? Based on our experiences and what we’ve seen with other teams, we share our thoughts and hot takes when it comes to advocating and validating your design system efforts.…

Design Systems WTF

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They downsized the design system team; how do we survive? 25:47

for 41 weeks siden25:47

25:47

We navigate the challenges and uncertainties that arise when a design system team undergoes downsizing or restructuring. How do the design system team and teams who use the design system cope in this situation? We explore strategies for resilience, collaboration, and innovation in the face of adversity and discover how to thrive amidst organizational changes.…

Design Systems WTF

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What’s keeping design systems people up at night? 33:21

for 43 weeks siden33:21

33:21

In this episode, we answer some interesting design system questions from the Internet. With Luke away, Dave, our Developer Advocate, will joins Michelle. Sharing insights from a developer and designer perspective, respectively. Will Dave and Michelle see eye to eye or will we agree to disagree?

Design Systems WTF

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Should Figma be the source of truth? 27:17

for 45 weeks siden27:17

27:17

Figma is currently dominating the design landscape and with good reason. They’ve taken what we’ve done with product and UX design and allowed us to do so much more than we used to be able to. With the release and continued improvement of Dev Mode, they’re hoovering up more use cases and raising the question: are we happy with a design tool being the source of truth for all product teams?…

Design Systems WTF

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Is using a pre-built frontend library realistic? 26:36

for 46 weeks siden26:36

26:36

Today we ask, “Is using a pre-built frontend library realistic?” We look into the pros and cons of leveraging frontend libraries such as MUI, Tailwind, or Ant Design for your design system. Are these libraries a shortcut to success, or do they come with hidden complexities and limitations? Tune in as we dissect the practicality, scalability, and long-term implications of adopting these pre-built solutions for your product.…

Design Systems WTF

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Future-proofing your design system 25:30

for 50 weeks siden25:30

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Design systems should reflect what’s currently in your product, but it’s tempting to future-proof them. After all, getting the system up and running was a lot of work, so what’s the harm in adding a few new things? Future us will thank our past selves, right?

Design Systems WTF

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How do we get past the MVP state? 27:21

for 50 weeks siden27:21

27:21

We examine that critical phase in the life of a design system: moving beyond the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Launching an MVP is just the beginning, but what comes next? Michelle and Luke discuss strategies for advocating for more resources, ensuring your work is recognized and adequately resourced, and not just seen as a “free” addition from your team. Drawing from our own experiences and those of other teams, we share practical advice on selling your design system’s ongoing value to stakeholders.…

Design Systems WTF

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Building delight into your design system 28:44

for 1 year siden28:44

28:44

We tackle a question that often gets overlooked in the world of design systems: Is there room for fun and delight? Sure, components are the workhorses of design systems, known for their functionality and consistency, but does that mean they have to be dull? We’ll explore the possibilities of infusing a bit of charm and personality into your design system. Listen in as we discuss examples of some of the more fun design systems in action, the challenges of maintaining usability while injecting creativity, and how to strike the right balance.…

Design Systems WTF

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Building a Global Design System 26:54

for 1 year siden26:54

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We dive into the ambitious idea proposed by Brad Frost: creating a global design system for everyone to use. Imagine a world where companies don’t reinvent the wheel with every component they create, but instead, contribute to and utilize a shared set of resources. We tackle the big questions: Where do we start in building such a universal system? How do we address hesitations and resistance in the community? What are the potential risks and unseen challenges?…

Design Systems WTF

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Our design system Valentines 21:32

for 1 year siden21:32

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This special episode is our love letter to the unsung heroes of the design system world. Join us as we shine a spotlight on some incredible individuals in the field who might not be on your radar yet, but definitely should be. We'll share our personal favorites, diving into the work they're doing and where you can find their contributions. Get ready to fall in love with these design system Valentines.…

Design Systems WTF

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Flexibility in Design Systems 30:27

for 1 year siden30:27

30:27

In this episode, we tackle the common concern—are you being too prescriptive with your design system? We’ll discuss the fine line between guidance and rigidity, exploring how much prescription is too much. We’ll share the pitfalls of being overly prescriptive and the chaos that can ensue from excessive flexibility.…

Design Systems WTF

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Design System Contributions 28:50

for 1 year siden28:50

28:50

Navigating design system contributions – how do you tell someone their component is terrible? We address many design system creators' challenges: Navigating design system contributions and giving constructive feedback. How do you effectively communicate that a contributed component may not meet the standards or expectations (i.e., they’re just plain terrible)? We discuss ways to encourage improvement without demoralizing contributors. Join us as we explore best practices, real-life stories, and strategies for fostering collaboration and quality within your design system.…

Design Systems WTF

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Design Systems Contracting 25:03

for 1 year siden25:03

25:03

In this episode, we tackle the question that many ponder: Can you create a successful design system through contracted work? We explore the dynamics of working with external design teams, freelancers, or agencies to build a cohesive design system. Is it a recipe for success, or does it present unique challenges that could impact the system’s effectiveness? We uncover the pros and cons of this approach and share insights on navigating the path to a thriving design system.…

Design Systems WTF

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Design Systems Help Desk 31:58

for 1 year siden31:58

31:58

We have a special edition of Design Systems WTF, this time Luke will be joined by the amazing Amy Hupe ! They’ll be chatting about design systems and answering your questions. Get ready for a unique and interactive experience in this special “DSWTF Help Desk” episode. We’re opening the floor to you, our listeners! Have a burning question about design systems or anything related? Ask us, and we’ll tackle your toughest inquiries with our highly opinionated thoughts. Whether you seek career advice, design tips, or want to settle a design systems debate, we’re here to help. Tune in for a one-of-a-kind Q&A session with Luke and Amy !…

Design Systems WTF

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Design Systems Careers 27:48

for 1 year siden27:48

27:48

Today's question: Is my career doomed if I focus on design systems? We dive deep into the world of design system careers. Is focusing on design systems a career move that can make or break your professional journey? Join us as we explore the power and potential of design systems and discuss how they can shape your career in design. Is it a stepping stone to success or a potential roadblock? Tune in to discover how design systems can be your secret weapon or a career-defining challenge.…

Design Systems WTF

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Design Systems and Accessibility 26:48

for 1 year siden26:48

26:48

Today's question: How accessible can a design system really make a product? We explore the potential of design systems to enhance accessibility and discuss the challenges involved in achieving this goal. Are design systems the golden ticket to a more inclusive digital world?

Design Systems WTF

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Should I use tokens today? 25:41

for 1 year siden25:41

25:41

Today's question: Should I use tokens today? DESIGN TOKENS. The saviour of our design systems, or so it seems from the amount that people hold them up as the shining light. But what’s the deal with design tokens — when do they make sense for your company? What is going to happen to them in the future? And who do you listen to when it comes to doing them correctly?…

Design Systems WTF

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AI and Design Systems 27:28

for 1 year siden27:28

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Today's question: Will AI change design systems? We genuinely can’t believe it’s taken us three episodes to mention AI… It’s obviously a hot topic at the moment, as folks are figuring out how they can use things like GPT or Dall-e to automate or generate things within their design systems, or heck, if they even should use AI in the first place because of the ethical, legal and moral risks!…

Design Systems WTF

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Rewarding Contribution 26:05

for 1 year siden26:05

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Today's question: How do you reward someone for the contributions they make? From the big questions straight into the weeds! This has been a favourite question in the last few years of figuring out how to rightly reward folks for contributing, but also how to motivate them to contribute in the first place. Are shout-outs enough? Do we need to tie rewards to the wider company rewards? Should motivation to contribute be intrinsic or extrinsic? Should we be encouraging contributions at all? Resources: Amy Hupe - You design system contribution model is doomed to fail Ethan Marcotte - You deserve a tech union Mike Monteiro - Ruined by design…

Design Systems WTF

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Getting buy-in for your design system 21:36

for 2 years siden21:36