

Complementary
Anthony Hobday, Katie Langerman
A podcast about the principles and practices of interface design.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 17, 2025 • 48min
64: Big vs Small Software
Anthony and Katie attempt to define big vs. small software, and then compare the two.Hosts:Anthony Hobday, Generalist Product Designer: https://twitter.com/hobdaydesignKatie Langerman, Systems Designer: https://twitter.com/KatieLangerman

Aug 3, 2025 • 1h 11min
63: Being Intentional About Quality with Lance Willett
In this engaging conversation, Lance Willett, the Chief Quality Officer at Automattic, shares his journey from web designer to quality leader. He dives into the complexities of measuring quality in distributed teams and the importance of fostering a positive feedback culture. Willett emphasizes the balance between craft and care in product development, while discussing innovative practices that enhance collaboration between QA and engineering teams. He also highlights strategies for cultivating a culture of quality that empowers team members and values trust.

Jul 20, 2025 • 53min
62: MacOS Through the Ages
Anthony and Katie discuss the elements of previous MacOS versions that stand out most.Inspired by: https://aresluna.org/frame-of-preferenceHosts:Anthony Hobday, Generalist Product Designer: https://twitter.com/hobdaydesignKatie Langerman, Systems Designer: https://twitter.com/KatieLangerman

8 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 48min
61: Liquid Glass
Dive into the intriguing world of Liquid Glass, where technology meets design innovation. The hosts discuss Apple’s recent software updates and the challenges they create for users. They explore the delicate balance between aesthetics and usability, as well as the impact of rapid tech advancements on user experiences. There's a critical look at Apple's AI strategy amidst a competitive landscape and how urgency in adopting new tech affects decision-making. The conversation brings clarity to the ever-evolving standards of visual design and the design rivalries that shape user expectations.

Jun 22, 2025 • 1h 2min
60: Designing Tools to Support Creativity with Matt Beaudouin-Lafon
Anthony and Katie are joined by HCI PhD candidate Matt Beaudouin-Lafon at UCSD, and discuss how HCI research intersects with industry product design. Links mentioned:Matt's work on Color FieldInk & SwitchTextoshopCreativity Support Tools paper from Ben ShneidermanHosts:Anthony Hobday, Generalist Product Designer: https://twitter.com/hobdaydesignKatie Langerman, Systems Designer: https://twitter.com/KatieLangerman

Jun 2, 2025 • 37min
59: Material 3 Expressive
Anthony and Katie chat about Material 3 Expressive.Hosts:Anthony Hobday, Generalist Product Designer: https://twitter.com/hobdaydesignKatie Langerman, Systems Designer: https://twitter.com/KatieLangerman

May 18, 2025 • 50min
58: Thoughts on Config 2025
Anthony and Katie share humorous anecdotes about regional accents and the tech world. They discuss the evolving meaning of 'Config' and the challenges of freelance design. The impact of AI on design roles raises concerns about diminishing focus on visual content at conferences. Their reflections on the recent conference emphasize the balance between preparation and engagement. Insights into Figma's new features highlight their effects on usability, while the duo explores the accessibility of code generated by design tools. They also touch on the value of conferences for emerging speakers.

May 4, 2025 • 44min
57: The Gap Between Design and Execution with Alex Krasikov
In this engaging discussion, design engineer Alex Krasikov shares insights on bridging the gap between design intent and execution. He emphasizes the importance of early collaboration between designers and developers to enhance product quality. Alex delves into the nuances of design systems for websites versus applications, exploring how structured approaches can simplify the process. He also highlights the balance between aesthetic design elements and execution efficiency, addressing the evolving role of AI in design and the pressures on designers to embrace coding skills.

Apr 20, 2025 • 52min
56: Navigation
Anthony and Katie discuss navigation patterns.Hosts:Anthony Hobday, Generalist Product Designer: https://twitter.com/hobdaydesignKatie Langerman, Systems Designer: https://twitter.com/KatieLangerman

Apr 6, 2025 • 41min
55: Design is Decision Making
The hosts delve into the art of decision-making in design, emphasizing how choices shape creativity. They discuss the balance of options within design systems, tackling decision fatigue and the need for clear guidelines. The evolution of interface design is explored, revealing how standardization impacts individual creativity. Finally, they illuminate the powerful connection between design and storytelling, showcasing its effects on decision-making and product success, all while sharing a light-hearted take on their podcasting journey.