Brad Frost: Design systems are about human relationships

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Apr 3, 2025

Brad Frost reveals the crucial role of human relationships in design systems, underscoring how vital communication is for team synergy. He discusses the transformative impact of AI on design processes and the significance of design tokens. Also explored are the changing dynamics between designers and developers, embracing creativity through personal expression, and the importance of mental health awareness, especially regarding ADHD. Additionally, listeners can look forward to an upcoming course on design tokens with a special discount.

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ANECDOTE

Helicopter Entrance

Brad Frost recalls a memorable helicopter ride to a conference dinner in New Zealand, where he was greeted with champagne and throwing knives.
The unconventional transport was due to the mountainous terrain and tight workshop schedule.

INSIGHT

Atomic Design's Impact

Atomic Design is now the lingua franca of software and web design, highlighting its widespread impact.
Brad Frost's extensive experience in design systems consulting led him to realize the importance of scaling his knowledge and assistance.

ANECDOTE

Working with Family

Eli Woolery asks Brad about working with his brother, drawing a parallel to his own experience with his developer brothers.
This leads to a discussion about finding the right partner and the dynamics of family collaboration.

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Design systems are the foundation of nearly every piece of software we use. No one has had a greater influence on the philosophy and tactics of building design systems than Brad Frost, author of Atomic Design. After helping countless companies craft design systems, Brad has come to realize that this topic is a nexus of collaboration and conflict.

In our conversation, Brad shared why he thinks design systems are an enduring topic in design teams, the power of design tokens, and how AI is reshaping this space. Plus, Brad filled us in on his new online course on design tokens.

As a special opportunity for Design Better listeners, use code “DESIGNBETTERISAWESOME” at checkout for 20% off Brad’s upcoming design tokens course:

Pre-order design tokens course

Bio

Brad Frost is a design system consultant, front-end developer, speaker, writer, musician, and artist located in beautiful Pittsburgh, PA. He helps teams establish and evolve design systems, establish more collaborative workflows, and create better software together. He is the author of the book Atomic Design, which introduces a methodology to create and maintain effective design systems. In addition to co-hosting the Style Guides Podcast, he has also helped create several tools and resources for web designers, including Pattern Lab, Styleguides.io, Style Guide Guide, This Is Responsive, Death to Bullshit, and more.

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