Adam Fry-Pierce

I appreciate the rise of “slop” to refer to AI-generated nonsense, but I much prefer H.G. Frankfurt’s definition of “bullshit.” “Slop” is an attribute of a thing, but “bullshit” points back at the creator of the slop, and that they don’t care about the truth value of the slop at all, only its effect. Let’s not shift language to let bullshitters off the hook. They are the problem more than the output. (Yeah, “slop” is more acceptable in corporate language, so if you must, you must.)

39

10 Comments

Great analysis. So much to learn from this. The focus of both companies on leaving into what is our core promise/ thruth is strong. The foundation work for this to be possible is understanding and codifying what the core promise is. What can the customers always, always trust a company to deliver on?

8

“Where am I?” As our design system matures, things move around. We’re trying to invest in ways that allow feature designers and engineers to locate where they are within a design system, and where to find what they need. → Multiple design libraries can be hard to track and become confusing when designers and engineers aren’t aware of what does and doesn’t exist in each library. → Every component and pattern has a varying degree of specificity from generic to a specific business context or content pattern and deciding what goes where is confusing. → Theming in Figma is great, but... the current nature of variables can make managing multiple modes across multiple brands challenging. Here’s how we’ve been trying to get our head around reducing complexity for our team and consumers 🏗 Figma file architecture - Having a clear plan for structuring your design system libraries is critical for folks to find stuff. Our early attempts at a highly modular system with numerous smaller libraries were too unwieldy. We’ve landed into a Tokens, Components, Patterns, and Features structure that streamlines the process for everyone. It was super cool to stumble on these Figma docs that deep dive into various strategies for organizing your files https://lnkd.in/dGyN-SQw 🚦 Wayfinding elements - Once designers and engineers are in the files themselves, it's still easy to get lost. We’ve implemented consistent color-coded “file covers” distinguishing design system files from feature files, “getting started” pages outlining file dependencies, and consistent page naming conventions indicating iterations from elements that are ready for development. Thanks to Vitaly Friedman for the reference to Saurav Rastogi's post on Figma file organization which is packed with insights. https://lnkd.in/giBs_Jgn 🎨 Multi-brand variables - Our team has worked hard to figure out the most intuitive way to allow for white-labeling our design system for custom theming. We currently leverage modes at multiple layers of the design system based on their specificity from global to semantic to component to pattern. Romina Kavcic has endless resources for teams who are looking to build out their token strategy. https://lnkd.in/deiMGCe9 💎 Wayfinding within design systems is hard but a couple of things that help folks understand where they are and what they can do → Partner with engineers on an architecture that maps somewhat to their mental model making things more intuitive → Setup wayfinding documentation within your Figma files that orient users to where they are within the system → Map your tokens and variables across your system so that it is clear how to layer modes to achieve custom themes #designsystems #figma #uidesign #tokens #components #patterns

77

6 Comments

Yep, Imma 'bout to post about knobs... come with me for a minute... I am particularly amused by these types of realizations. Even as a designer, usually drawn to sexy minimalism, I can't argue with this dude's assessment. Sometimes we just overdesign some shit. My wife and I had our first experience with an induction stove just this past month. We marveled at the speed of heat up, but it didn't take long for my wife (an excellent cook) to declare, "these buttons are annoying." This is function following form, and it's a UX botch. Did anyone stress test this with people that actually cook? I dunno 'bout y'all, but everyone I know that makes amazingly delicious things are not tidy and mechanical in their food prep. There's always a little chaos in pursuit of the delicious. I speak from experience as the head eater and cleanup crew in my home. Why all the knob hate? Picture this... mid-to-low profile puck shaped knobs, about 3-4cm in diameter. Perhaps with a dimple on the knob surface, where you can place your finger tip to spin the dial, toward your desired heat, accompanied by the most gorgeous, subtle haptic response to each level. The edges of the knob, adorned with precise ridges. Then, these knobs pry off with a minor pull, so the space underneath can be cleaned. Oh! And the knobs include a super thin light up ring, that activates a tiny light next to the corresponding burner. Sexy right? 😈 #ux #productdesign #design #sexyknobs

6

10 Comments

Next week on The Human Centered Design Network podcast we catch up with Jocelyn Wyatt former CEO of IDEO.org and now CEO of Alight. This episode will drop on Tuesday for our premium feed and community members and will be available on Spotify and our YouTube a few days later! We speak about applying Design within the humanitarian world. We speak about colonialism and how we can counteract positioning Design as the saviour to the world's problems. Would love to hear your thoughts... #codesign #resilient #communities

11

1 Comment

When Dropbox shifted to #VirtualFirst, my Design team helped lead the efforts to create the new model in a way that actually reimagined modern work. By applying a human centered design approach to build Virtual First—understand what users need, develop hypotheses, design and pilot solutions, observe results and iterate— what we saw as a result was true cultural transformation. This way of working is intentionally designed to make space for creativity, tinkering and deep work, while also reserving time for synchronous collaboration and IRL time when we need it. Through this process, we quickly realized there was a need for more conversation around the unique challenges of working in distributed ways. That’s how we came up with the idea for Remotely Curious—a podcast where we dive deep into the world of remote work and the struggles that come with it. One of my favorite episodes is on the topic of setting boundaries, an art that can take practice while working remotely. It’s something we’re laser focused on here at Dropbox—83% of employees feel successful in designing their own work schedules, but we know our employees want continued support around boundary setting between their work and personal lives as we continue in our Virtual First journey. Psychologist, professor, and best-selling author Andrea Bonior joined Remotely Curious to guide us through the specifics of setting boundaries in the workplace. One lesson that really stuck with me from the conversation was the idea that "clarity is kindness." It’s easy to fall into the trap of people-pleasing, where we start equating saying “yes” as being nice and saying “no” as being “difficult” or creating an uncomfortable environment. But clarity—being clear about your limits and expectations—is actually one of the kindest things you can do for yourself and your team. As leaders in a distributed environment, this is incredibly important to maintaining balance and remaining in control of our work. Creating healthy boundaries in my life enables me to be both a better leader for my team, and a better father and equal contributor at home. By being intentional in supporting myself as well as having a support system, or a “Team Alastair” around me, I can maintain better balance so that I can be the best version of myself, maintain peak-level performance and continue to scale both professionally and personally. I highly recommend giving this one a listen, and would love to hear your thoughts. https://lnkd.in/dn8As9zG #productivity #innovation #futureofwork

95

1 Comment

How are you thinking about design outside of the typical western design standards and systems? ✨ Listen to episode 1 pt. one and two now on Spotify and Apple podcast. https://lnkd.in/gMtTEYnP

4

1 Comment

⚡ AI x Design Thinking⚡ Just before the holidays, I participated in this great workshop series from IDEO U and wanted to give a shout out. Solid intro on how AI/LLMs can be leveraged in brainstorming/ideation > data synthesis/generating insights > storyboarding/prototyping concepts and some of the limitations/pitfalls to watch for. Good overviews, demos, and interactive sessions + opportunity to connect with a large group of multi-disciplinary folks from around the world. Thanks IDEOU - keep them coming 💡 https://lnkd.in/g5BYDV7r

4

2 Comments

Just spoke to someone who is spending 5 hours/day commuting from SF to South Bay 3x/week by transit. They want to join Upshift to get a car every Tue-Thu every week so they can get another hour of sleep in the morning and get home in time for dinner. Sound like you or someone you know? Our new personalized fractional car subscriptions are selling like hotcakes. Optimize your plan to meet exactly your situation. Need a car to commute 1-3x/week? Want a car to get out of town every weekend? We’ve got a plan for you! Everything is included in one fixed monthly fee, even insurance. Flexible - change how much car you need over time if your lifestyle changes, swap between Toyota Corolla hybrid or AWD Honda CRV hybrid SUV. Predictable - always get the same type of car, clean, gassed and professionally maintained. Convenient - delivery to your door, refueling service, return anywhere in our zone. Learn more and subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/g7cHCjU2 #EV #AV #carshare #transportation #autonomousvehicles #electricvehicles #VC #venturecapital #angelinvesting #mobility

43

4 Comments

Incredibly excited to be giving a new talk—"Design is 'Connection' Made Manifest"—on Seattle Design Festival 's main stage this August 18th. The themes in this presentation have been congealing for me over the past few years, evolving through my other conference talks, written works, and even business / career decisions. Across "why" we're creating, "how" we're creating, and "where" we're creating, our value is infinitely greater than the sum of our choice of digital tools. I'll (currently) be giving this talk only twice this year, with the second event to be announced soon. The 'formal' talk description: "What is design, if not ‘connection’ made manifest? Given the state of the world over the past few years, with designers navigating the global pandemic, mass layoffs, hybrid / remote work, and a struggling economy, connection is at is apex of relevance. The connection of us to one another, us to our work, and our work to those who engage with it. Be it a concert venue poster, a website, or an app icon, design is solving the problem of engaging people—agnostic of their circumstances—to connect and convey an experience. When we’re in touch with our values, focus on craft evolution over tool loyalty, and create in an environment of support and inclusion: ‘connection’ is the result. Via the power of storytelling with actionable methods, Justin Dauer will show us how to get there." And on the Seattle Design Festival itself, via their website: "The Seattle Design Festival is a platform for bold design conversations. We believe that design is for everyone and that inclusive co-design practices are essential to shaping an equitable Seattle. We are multidisciplinary, socially engaged and civic minded. The Seattle Design Festival was founded in 2011 as a strategic initiative of AIA Seattle to promote public dialogue and community engagement about the role and impact of design in urban life." Seattle Design Festival is a FREE event for the public. My presentation's page: https://lnkd.in/gaQNA5GD The full list of festival programming: https://seadesignfest.org/ #ux #productdesign #uxdesign #creativity #design #culture #seattle #seattledesignfestival

13

This HBR piece on "The Art of Asking Smarter Questions" struck a chord with my approach to design leadership. It echoes the Six Thinking Hats method, emphasizing structured thinking and diverse viewpoints. In design, asking the right questions fuels breakthroughs. How do you leverage inquiry in your work? #DesignThinking #Innovation #SixThinkingHats #Leadership https://lnkd.in/ettHPN4c

13

Check out this awesome article written by Jess Sattell, Lynn Hao, and Angelie Herreria- Tagle with help from Sue G. on lessons learned from bringing Spectrum 2 from idea to reality.

111

1 Comment

What if… Every project started by asking: what about women? Design practitioners felt equipped to design with and for women We had the courage to imagine a future that centers women. A dear friend, colleague and one of the brightest minds I know Mansi Gupta has put in many years thinking about exactly these questions .. I'm so excited to see her work put in a framework that all of us can now use to become more gender intentional... check out - www.womencentricdesign.org to learn more #gender #genderindesign #genderinproduct

111

8 Comments

There’s a prompt I like to ask when I facilitate a group of people, “Talk to me about…” I love hearing people’s responses. Mine would be, “Talk to me about being NERT certified and emergency preparedness.” Let me explain. NERT stands for "Neighborhood Emergency Response Team". NERT teaches individuals the basics of personal preparedness and prevention. The training also includes hands-on disaster skills that will help individuals respond to a personal emergency as well as act as members of a neighborhood response team. So, think earthquakes, wildfires, other disaster scenarios. Bringing all of this into a professional context, I think of NERT a few ways. LEADERSHIP SKILLS When a group of random people come together to achieve a goal or attend a dire situation, it's not guaranteed that they will automatically know their roles and responsibilities. Leadership shows up when tasks need to be delegated and procedures need to be accomplished. Being in a number of leadership positions, I feel comfortable stepping in (when appropriate, of course) to get situations under control. COMMUNICATION When dealing with an emergency situation, communication is a must. It can mean life or death. Being clear, articulate, direct, and attentive are key attributes while working with a group of volunteers/strangers in surprise disaster situations. I'm consistency learning how I can improve my communication skills as a leader, educator, partner, friend. I view this as a constant growth area for myself. COMMUNITY BUILDING Getting to know your neighbors as well as people you work with will ensure that support is there when needed during a disaster. Can your neighbors or coworkers rely on you? Can you rely on them? I'm sure we can all do a better job reaching out to our neighbors. Perhaps throw a Disaster Dinner party, https://lnkd.in/g9VG6pv8. ... Because of the breakdown in our climate, man-made natural disasters will create scenarios that will push us out of our comfort zones, cause disruption in our daily lives, and cause harm and death to innocent people. How do we manage these scenarios? Do we have the right skills to survive? To help others survive? The role of a NERT is to do the most good for the most people. I see leadership skills, communication, and community building as foundational in preparing for our impending climate emergency. Stepping into an uncertain future will generate scenarios we are not used to. Being prepared beyond a Go-Bag is something I will continue to invest in. Something we should all invest in. If you live in San Francisco, I encourage you to become NERT certified. It’s free. If you live anywhere else in the US, NERT is known as CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). Same program, different name. Just search for CERT and your location. So yeah, that’s my response to, “Talk to me about…”. How would you answer the prompt?

18

3 Comments

Company website blogs and resources often fly under the radar when it comes to education and inspiration. So I wanted to shine a spotlight on Instacart Design Blog that I unexpectedly dove into. In just a few days, I've delved into 5 articles that hit the nail on the head, covering topics like designing content with purpose, practicing inclusion in your design team and mastering conference talks. If you're looking for valuable insights and practical design advice, check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gseR8hSh (they've also got a Tech Blog). #JuniorFriday #DesignReads #DesignResources #SharingIsCaring #DesignCommunity

34

At this year’s Dropbox Design Summit, we dove deeper into what blank space means to us as designers, and what it means for our vision at Dropbox overall. Embracing the blank space allows us to be bold, focus on our foundations, and lean into our innate desire for tinkering and making—ultimately, enabling us to design a more enlightened way of working. The idea of embracing blank space has been a part of our story at Dropbox since its inception. More recently when we created our #VirtualFirst model, the landscape of work at the time was, in fact, a blank space. With design at the center, we had the opportunity to completely reinvent how and where we work, taking the blank space and creating something entirely our own. Though we work primarily in a remote fashion, we know coming together in person boosts our innovation, creativity and connection to each other. And as designers, we feed off the creative energy of others. There is no substitute for that. Our annual Dropbox Design Summit is a jolt of inspiration, and a meaningful moment of culture building and collaboration together in-person. This gathering has had a profound effect on our teams, and we’re continuously reinforcing what we learned together in our everyday work and encouraging our teams to embrace the blank space. This refreshed outlook is a result of coming together in an intentional way, or as we call it, our art of gathering. We shared more about this year’s Design Summit on our Design Blog. https://lnkd.in/dn9fwC2j

90

12 Comments

Designing like Apple doesn't mean copying their style - it means embracing a philosophy that values simplicity, clarity, and the small details that make a big difference. This article sheds light on how to think more holistically about the products we build, focusing on creating experiences that genuinely resonate with users. How can we bring this mindset into our own design and development processes? https://drp.li/samzf #DesignInspiration #AppleStyle #PhilosophyInDesign #SimplicityIsKey #ClarityInDesign #AttentionToDetail #EmbracingValues #DesignPhilosophy

3

2 Comments

Where does my power come from? And where will it come from in 15 years? Seattle City Light, a municipal utility, released their Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), the link below is a progress report. This one is surprisingly easy to read, and contains some interesting things: 1. Load growth is forecasted to increase much more than than just 2 years ago. This includes projected increased demand for electricity for vehicles, technology, buildings, and other increases. 2. Time of Use rates will be introduced as an option in 2025. Demand response savings are projected to decrease. 3. Battery and PV/Battery make their debut on the list of new projected resources. Progress report here: https://lnkd.in/gJaWkEQG

26

4 Comments