On Theme: Design Systems in Depth

Exploring how successful design systems get built, maintained, and deliver impact for their product teams. Go deeper than tokens and get more detailed than “it depends”. Expect aha moments, actionable insights, thoughtful discussions, and spicy takes from accomplished design system practitioners. Hosted by Elyse Holladay.

20 episodes

Creativity and design system leadership in the age of AI, with Natalya Shelburne — #17

But “design systems as infrastructure“ is boring, with Sam Anderson — #16

Naming is hard, but have you tried working with people? with Guy Segal — #15

The Four Quadrants of Design System Impact, with Ben Callahan — #14

Shipping new ways of working to a classic organization with the One UPS system, with Marcela Rodriguez Joos — #13

The flaws of the “accessibility is built in to the design system” argument, with Daniel Henderson-Ede — #12

Help, I'm starting a new design system job! with Amy Ogg — #11

Hand off the API: a design & build workflow for components, with Jeff Pelletier — #10

Bye Purple! A redesign powered by local & global design system layers at Spotify, with Smith Schwartz & Tyce Clee — #09

What happens when your system can’t support your flagship product?, with Adriana Morales — #08

I’m a design system consumer now: lessons from the other side, with Beau Ulrey — #07

Building a multi-brand joint venture design system for BetMGM, with ToniAnn Drenckhahn — #06

Stop waiting for permission! and other ways to show design systems value, with Brian Alfaro — #05

All the things you shouldn’t do for design system success, with Dan Mall — #04

Layoffs, rebrands, and getting “zero results“ from your design system, with Noelle Lansford — #03

When Design Systems became A Thing with Jina Anne — #02

Efficiency, respect, and the origins of design systems with Brad Frost — #01

On Theme S1 Minisode 2: 2025 Predictions

On Theme S1 Minisode 1

On Theme: The Trailer