Best Zeroheight Podcasts (2024)

1
Design Systems WTF #27 - Why aren’t people contributing to the design system? 30:12

9d ago30:12

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 participatio…

1
Design Systems WTF #26 - Where can AI actually help with design systems? 27:18

7d ago27:18

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 yo…

1
Live from Hatch: Design Systems WTF #25 - Do we need to stop making components? 41:08

12d ago41:08

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 atte…

1
Flops not bops 46:17

16d ago46:17

46:17

Despite our best intentions, it’s sometimes a fact of product development that not every feature is a hit. So what happens when you release a flop? On this episode of The Product Shipping Forecast, Rosie and Rob reflect on the features that weren’t successes and what they’ve learned from the experience.…

1
All Features Small But Mighty 36:38

2M ago36:38

36:38

Working on a product for any length of time will reveal all the little feature requests and improvements that could delight users, but they very rarely get prioritized over other work. In this episode, Rosie and Rob talk about how their team embraced Small but Mighty features alongside their larger product work and what they’ve learned along the wa…

1
Why do we need to care more about patterns? 26:48

2M ago26:48

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?By zeroheight

1
How should we version design systems? 26:09

3M ago26:09

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?By zeroheight

1
We’re Asking The Questions Here 51:44

3M ago51:44

51:44

A solid user research practice is the basis for many of the great products we use everyday, but it sometimes feels like an uphill battle just to get time for usability testing. How can you better advocate for research in your company? What can you do to make research a regular part of the process? Rosie and Rob have the key insights on episode thre…

1
Beyond the Button #10: How do design systems foster user trust? 58:27

3M ago58:27

58:27

This month, Michelle is joined by two new faces: Tim Legierse, one of the most tenured members of the zeroheight team, and Beau Ulrey, Sr. Design System Manager at U.S. Bank. This month’s discussion is about how design systems can foster user trust. Sure, a good set of reusable components can create a more consistent product. But what does that mea…

1
Back to School #6: Accessibility and Design Systems 59:35

3M ago59:35

59:35

Is there really such a thing as an accessible design system component? How can the systems team ensure accessible products? Geri and Amy turn the colour contrast up to 11:1 in their final podcast on accessibility.By Amy Hupe and Geri Reid

1
Has AI made everyone a designer? A spicy conversation with Pablo Stanley 29:49

3M ago29:49

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 too…

1
WTF happened at Config? 29:07

4M ago29:07

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…

1
Design Systems Rodeo #6: All Systems Go! 34:26

4M ago34:26

34:26

Our guest is Kimberly Elam, a writer, educator, and graphic designer who chairs the Graphic + Interactive Communication Department at the Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, FL. She has written extensively about graphic design and design education whose books include Grid Systems, Typographic Systems and Geometry of Design. In this episod…

1
Fifty Shades of Subtly Different Greys 49:26

4M ago49:26

49:26

In an ideal world, QA should be a simple step to check the quality and functionality of what a team is about to ship. Yet, all too often, it’s a grab bag of compromises, disappointments, and UX polish tickets that will be left to linger in developer backlogs like unwanted house guests. How did it get this way, and how can you make QA a little less …

1
Beyond the Button #9: Where does user research fit into design systems? 43:27

4M ago43:27

43:27

As designers, we aim to be user-centered, but figuring out where to incorporate user research can be tricky. How do we add user research when there’s a demand for components ASAP? Is it weird to ask users how they would use a button? Join us as we explore how user research fits in with the evolution of your design system. We cover approaches for in…

1
How do you prove the value of design systems? 28:40

4M ago28:40

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.…

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

4M 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
They downsized the design system team; how do we survive? 25:47

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

5M 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

5M 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
Beyond the Button #8: How do you even start documenting patterns? 51:09

5M 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
What’s keeping design systems people up at night? 33:21

5M 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
Should Figma be the source of truth? 27:17

6M 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

6M 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
Are we ready yet? 43:13

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

1y 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

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Zeroheight Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide