Design systems and cognitive bias with David Dylan Thomas
May 10, 2023
auto_awesome
David Dylan Thomas, author, speaker and filmmaker, discusses the impact of cognitive bias on design and inclusivity. Topics include bias in design systems, challenges of inclusive design, creating awareness and inspiring change, and the importance of dissent in design teams.
Design systems should be designed to mitigate cognitive bias rather than eliminate it completely.
The push for simplicity in design systems should not overshadow the complexity of the human experience.
Empowering dissent and fostering collaboration are crucial for addressing systemic issues in the design industry.
Deep dives
Bias and the Intersection of Design Systems
In this episode, the speaker introduces the series focusing on how design systems can perpetuate or mitigate systemic harm. The guest, David Dillantomas, explores the intersections of biases in design systems and the impact on users. They discuss how biases affect decision-making, ways to counterbalance biases, and the importance of inclusion and simplicity. The conversation also covers the complexity of identity and the need to question the collection of personal information. Overall, the episode emphasizes the role of design systems in creating inclusive experiences and the need to consider the context and rationale behind design decisions.
Understanding Bias and Cognitive Bias
David Dillantomas shares his journey of becoming interested in biases and their connection to design. He highlights the influence of systems and patterns in reinforcing biases and discusses the concept of cognitive bias. The episode explores the need to design for cognitive bias rather than trying to eliminate bias altogether. It emphasizes the importance of becoming more conscious of biases and implementing methods to mitigate their harmful effects.
The Role of Design Systems and Simplicity
The conversation delves into the relationship between design systems and simplicity. The speaker raises the question of whether the push for simplicity in design systems sometimes overlooks the complexity of the human experience. They discuss the need to question the inclusion of certain components and patterns, such as the accordion component, if they perpetuate harmful practices. The episode suggests documenting anti-patterns and providing rationale to empower users to make informed decisions and challenge design choices.
Building Awareness and Connections
The episode explores the importance of building awareness and connections within the design community. It highlights the role of advocacy, workshops, and talks in creating awareness and inspiring change. The conversation emphasizes the power of connecting like-minded individuals and fostering collaboration for creating a groundswell of change. It highlights the need for collective efforts to address systemic issues and challenges within the design industry.
Empowering Dissent and Asking the Right Questions
The episode discusses the importance of empowering dissent and creating space for challenging assumptions and decisions. The speaker shares insights on how to effectively dissent and encourages teams to have a critical questioning mindset. It emphasizes the need to ask the right questions in design processes and highlights the value of curiosity and creativity in understanding user needs and context. The episode also emphasizes the role of design systems in arming users with tools to make informed decisions and adapt to different contexts.
How does cognitive bias affect the way we design and make digital products, and the way people experience them? To kick off the series, I’m talking to author, speaker and filmmaker David Dylan Thomas, to explore these questions.