Best Zeroheight Podcasts (2024)

1
They downsized the design system team; how do we survive? 25:47

5d ago25:47

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 organization…

1
Back to School #5: Design System Governance 1:06:36

5d ago1:06:36

1:06:36

Does a centralized team provide the most effective design system governance model? Can a single overlord provide cohesion or just become a bottleneck? And can a federated model ever really work? Amy and Geri join the debate team to argue the pros and cons of design system governance.By Amy Hupe and Geri Reid

1
Design Systems Rodeo #5: Deep Impact 33:01

5d ago33:01

33:01

In this Design Systems Rodeo, Kevin talks to Elyse Holladay about how design systems make a positive impact and how to measure it.By Kevin Muldoon

1
Back to School #4: Naming in Design Systems 58:53

14d ago58:53

58:53

There is already a name for most things on the web. So why do design systems put so much time and effort into naming things? Why is deciding on the name of a component more challenging than naming your child? Geri and Amy give names a roll call.By Amy Hupe and Geri Reid

1
What’s keeping design systems people up at night? 33:21

22d ago33:21

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?By zeroheight

1
Beyond the Button #8: How do you even start documenting patterns? 51:09

21d ago51:09

51:09

You’ve created most or all your components, but now people are asking about patterns. In this episode, we break down the initial steps of documenting your patterns, which patterns to document first, and top tips when it comes to pattern documentation.By Michelle Chin and Nefertiti Dukes

1
Should Figma be the source of truth? 27:17

1M ago27:17

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 th…

1
Beyond the Button #7: How do we collaborate around a design system? 53:14

1M ago53:14

53:14

This time, we’re tackling how to collaborate on a design system. We’ll talk about the tools you should be using, who should be doing what, and how you can create a review and governance process that ensures your design system site is accurate and consistent.By Michelle Chin and Nefertiti Dukes

1
The Product Shipping Forecast #1: Are we ready yet? 43:13

1M ago43:13

43:13

For the first episode of The Product Shipping Forecast, Rosie and Rob dive into the deep end of the product development process to discuss handoff. They discuss the tools and practices that have helped—and hindered—their transition from designing to building. Is there such a thing as too much documentation? Can a single tool solve your handoff woes…

1
Design Systems Rodeo #4: True Colours 29:21

1M ago29:21

29:21

Andrew created the APCA color contrast specification that will be introduced in WCAG3. In this interview, we talk about how Andrew became interested in the topic and why APCA compliance is necessary for accessibility.By Kevin Muldoon

1
Is using a pre-built frontend library realistic? 26:36

1M ago26:36

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 lo…

1
Design Systems Rodeo #3: Culture Club 30:44

2M ago30:44

30:44

In this episode, Kevin Muldoon and Ben Callahan discuss the influence Design Systems have on the company and design culture.By Kevin Muldoon

1
Back to School #3: Design Tokens 1:00:33

2M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Amy Hupe and Geri Reid are back in the class to teach you all about design tokens. They break it down, so you leave after acing the pop quiz. There’s a lot of chatter about design tokens. Why do you need tokens? And how do you architect them when there’s so much conflicting advice?By Amy Hupe and Geri Reid

1
Future-proofing your design system 25:30

2M ago25:30

25:30

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?By zeroheight

1
Design Systems Rodeo #2: Game On 32:46

2M ago32:46

32:46

Learn what makes a design system successful and if you’re on the path to get there with Kevin Muldoon and Matt Fantastic! Matt is the Creative Director and founder of Forever Stoked Creative and owns Elm City Games.By Kevin Muldoon

1
How do we get past the MVP state? 27:21

2M ago27:21

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 you…

1
Back to School #2: Figma UI Kits 57:37

3M ago57:37

57:37

Recess is over! Amy Hupe and Geri Reid are back in the classroom with the next episode of Back to School. This time, they talked about all of Figma UI kits. Are you a real design system without a Figma UI kit? Does it need to be a pixel-perfect copy of your code? What’s the source of truth? More pressingly, can a Figma library BE your design system…

1
Design Systems Rodeo #1: Consistently Inconsistent 33:23

3M ago33:23

33:23

Hosted by the incredible Kevin Muldoon, zeroheight brings you Design Systems Rodeo, where Kevin and guests will be tackling problems faced with design systems. This first episode is titled Consistently Inconsistent with guest Daniel Henderson-Ede.By Kevin Muldoon

1
Building delight into your design system 28:44

3M ago28:44

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 …

1
Beyond the Button #6: We’re measuring our design systems impact, right? 44:37

3M ago44:37

44:37

In this episode, we’re talking about something everyone seems to struggle with: measuring the impact of their design system. Should we be measuring how many visitors a design system site has? How often components are used? And, what qualitative measures are worth keeping an eye on?By Michelle Chin and Nefertiti Dukes

1
Building a Global Design System 26:54

4M ago26:54

26:54

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? …

1
Back to School #1: AI and documentation 50:20

4M ago50:20

50:20

We’ve teamed up with design systems experts Amy Hupe and Geri Reid to bring you Back to School! In the first episode they talked all about AI and documentation.By Amy Hupe and Geri Reid

1
Our design system Valentines 21:32

4M ago21:32

21:32

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 read…

1
Beyond the Button #5: How are we supposed to be using design tokens, anyway? 55:25

4M ago55:25

55:25

In this episode, we discuss a hot topic: design tokens. We talk about when a design system should incorporate design tokens and when. We also explore best practices for creating and maintaining your design tokens, including Michelle’s hot topics on design token naming conventions.By Michelle Chin and Nefertiti Dukes

1
Flexibility in Design Systems 30:27

5M ago30:27

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.…

1
Beyond the Button #4: How involved should brand and marketing be in your design system? 48:10

5M ago48:10

48:10

In this episode, we jump into the intersection of design systems and branding. We uncover the secrets to striking the perfect balance, exploring what works seamlessly and what may hinder your design process. We explore integrating brand and marketing into your design system, discussing collaboration and coherence, and creating a visual language tha…

1
Design System Contributions 28:50

5M ago28:50

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 plai…

1
Beyond The Button #3: How can my team build a successful design system? 50:14

6M ago50:14

50:14

In this episode, we ask a tough, subjective question – how can your team build a successful design system? Believe it or not, the answer might be easier than you can imagine. Nef and Michelle uncover what success means and how that might apply to your team.By Michelle Chin and Nefertiti Dukes

1
Design Systems Contracting 25:03

6M ago25:03

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 effect…

1
Design Systems Help Desk 31:58

6M ago31:58

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 desig…

1
Design Systems Careers 27:48

6M ago27:48

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…

1
Design Systems and Accessibility 26:48

7M ago26:48

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?

1
Beyond The Button #2: Who uses a design system? 46:51

7M ago46:51

46:51

Developers and designers use design systems, right? They do, but do you know who else uses them? We’ll cover who else uses design systems, why understanding this matters, and how you can best help your design system users.By Michelle Chin and Nefertiti Dukes

1
Beyond The Button #1: What is a design system? 41:53

8M ago41:53

41:53

In the first episode, Nef and Michelle answered the most fundamental question, “What is a design system?” Is the answer easy and straightforward, or is this a trick question?By Michelle Chin and Nefertiti Dukes

1
Should I use tokens today? 25:41

8M ago25:41

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…

1
AI and Design Systems 27:28

8M ago27:28

27:28

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 beca…

1
Rewarding Contribution 26:05

8M ago26:05

26:05

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 r…

1
Getting buy-in for your design system 21:36

9M ago21:36

21:36

Today's question: How do you make the rest of your org care about your design system? With the current climate, budgets are being slashed left, right and center. Because of this design systems are often at the top of the list for what to put on the chopping block. So how do we make the rest of the organization care about design systems? How do we s…

1
Sheena Lydon - Being a DPM 56:35

1+ y ago56:35

56:35

DesignOps Island Discs is a live-recorded, interactive podcast, looking at what's coming up in the world of designops and design systems. For season three, we're focussing on the roles that make up designops and design systems, from content designers to leads to engineers to accessibility specialists to DPMs. For episode 4, we welcome Sheena Lydon,…

1
Heydon Pickering - Being a Design Systems Engineer 58:10

1+ y ago58:10

58:10

DesignOps Island Discs is a live-recorded, interactive podcast, looking at what's coming up in the world of designops and design systems. For season three, we're focussing on the roles that make up designops and design systems, from content designers to leads to engineers to accessibility specialists to DPMs. For episode 4, we welcome Heydon Picker…

1
Amy Hupe - Being a Content Specialist on Design Systems 49:37

1+ y ago49:37

49:37

DesignOps Island Discs is a live-recorded, interactive podcast, looking at what's coming up in the world of designops and design systems. For season three, we're focussing on the roles that make up designops and design systems, from content designers to leads to engineers to accessibility specialists to DPMs. For episode three, we welcome (back) Am…

1
Arielle Benedek - Being a Product Manager on Design Systems 56:16

1+ y ago56:16

56:16

DesignOps Island Discs is a live-recorded, interactive podcast, looking at what's coming up in the world of designops and design systems. For season three, we're focussing on the roles that make up designops and design systems, from content designers to leads to engineers to accessibility specialists to DPMs. For episode two, we welcome Arielle Ben…

1
Geri Reid - Being a Lead Designer on Design Systems 30:06

2y ago30:06

30:06

DesignOps Island Discs is a live-recorded, interactive podcast, looking at what's coming up in the world of designops and design systems. For season three, we're focussing on the roles that make up designops and design systems, from content designers to leads to engineers to accessibility specialists to DPMs. For our first episode, we welcome Geri …

1
Patrizia Bertini - Change Management in DesignOps 33:02

2+ y ago33:02

33:02

Patrizia Bertini, Associate Director of DesignOps at Babylon talks to us about how change management is an essential part of any org change, the benefits of going slow to go fast, how to win over the team with changes in their processes and tooling and why DesignOps at the C suite level. Patrizia on Twitter Pat-bertini.medium.com Lewin's Model of C…

1
Dan Mall - How Designers can be Better Partners 39:06

2+ y ago39:06

39:06

Dan Mall, Creative director and advisor, founder and director of both SuperFriendly and Arcade and design systems extraordinaire talks to us about the collaboration between designers and engineers to hot potatoing between design and development and the shift that is needed in design to better focus on people. DanMall.me Dan on Twitter SuperFriendly…

1
Kaelig Deloumeau-Prigent - Standardizing Design Tokens 24:24

2+ y ago24:24

24:24

Kaelig Deloumeau-Prigent, design and developer advocate and co-chair of the design tokens W3C community group, talks to us about the history of design tokens, the standardization of design tokens and the future of DesignOps. Kaelig.fr Kaelig on Twitter Design Tokens W3C Community Group Pink Floyd, The Wall Tough Guides: How to Stay Alive on A Deser…

1
Brad Frost - The Developer Experience in Design Systems 50:20

2+ y ago50:20

50:20

Brad Frost, Web Designer, Speaker, Consultant, Writer, Podcast Host and 'Grangfather' of Design Systems and Atomic Design , talks to us about the developer experience in design systems, the tools and processes out there to make design systems easier and what hopefully the future of design systems looks like. Bradfrost.com Brad on Twitter Pattern La…

1
Tim Gilligan - The role of a Chief of Staff 24:59

2+ y ago24:59

24:59

Tim Gilligan, a Chief of Staff at Capital One, talks to us about their journey into their current role, what benefits a Chief of Staff can bring to an org, and what they are excited about the future of DesignOps. Tim Gilligan Tim on Twitter Hundred Days, The Bengsons A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'Engle DesignOps Island Discs is brought to you by z…

1
Jerome de Lafargue - The Importance of Design at an Early Stage 20:18

2+ y ago20:18

20:18

Jerome de Lafarge, co-founder and CEO at zeroheight talks to us about how to survive in the startup world, where zeroheight came from and where DesignOps is likely headed. zeroheight.com Jerome on Twitter The National The Three-Body Problem, Cixin Liu DesignOps Island Discs is brought to you by zeroheight, the design system documentation platform. …

1
Laura Kennedy - The deprioritisation of design systems 21:39

2+ y ago21:39

21:39

Laura Kennedy, lead designer on design systems at GoodRx, talks to us about the deprioritisation of a design system, what signs to look for, what to do if it does happen and what lessons were learned for future opportunities. laura-kennedy.net Laura on Twitter Bear Grylls Survival Podcast The Art Institute of Chicago DesignOps Island Discs is broug…

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