
Complementary
A podcast about the principles and practices of interface design.
Latest episodes

Jan 5, 2025 • 52min
49: Design Folklore with Guy Segal
Katie, Anthony and special guest Guy discuss design folklore: what it is, where it might come from, and how to best use it in your design practices.
Guy Segal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guysegal
Hosts:
Anthony Hobday, Generalist Product Designer: https://twitter.com/hobdaydesign
Katie Langerman, Systems Designer: https://twitter.com/KatieLangerman

Dec 22, 2024 • 36min
48: Ghosts of Software Past, Present and Future
Anthony and Katie bring on the holiday vibes by discussing the past, present and future of software design. Bah humbug!
New design systems podcast Katie mentioned: On Theme
Hosts:
Anthony Hobday, Generalist Product Designer: https://twitter.com/hobdaydesign
Katie Langerman, Systems Designer: https://twitter.com/KatieLangerman

Dec 8, 2024 • 45min
47: People We Admire
The hosts engage in a lively dialogue about gratitude and cultural differences, setting a lighthearted tone. They dive into their favorite design and development influencers, reflecting on how these figures shaped their work and philosophies. An exploration of open-source design highlights the challenges and rewards of sharing knowledge. The artistry of David Pye captivates with discussions on craftsmanship and beauty. The conversation ends with a humorous take on connecting with fans and the quirks of international shipping.

Nov 24, 2024 • 60min
46: Design for Developers with Nate Butler
Nate Butler, a designer at Zed focused on crafting seamless coding experiences, sheds light on the art of designing for developers. He discusses the tension between catering to power users versus beginners, emphasizing empathy for diverse user needs. The conversation dives into the critical role of keyboard navigation and customization in coding, as well as the impact of design constraints on user experience. Nate also examines how developer culture shapes tool adoption, revealing the secrets behind empowering users while balancing complexity and accessibility.

Nov 10, 2024 • 44min
45: Constraints
What are the different kinds of constraints and how do they impact design? Anthony and Katie break it down into several types of constraints including: arbitrary, technical, principled, and convenient.
Hosts:
Anthony Hobday, Generalist Product Designer: https://twitter.com/hobdaydesign
Katie Langerman, Systems Designer: https://twitter.com/KatieLangerman

Oct 27, 2024 • 58min
44: How to be a more strategic designer with Jared Spool
Jared Spool, a renowned UX design expert with over 40 years in the field and founder of Center Centre, speaks with hosts Anthony and Katie about the essence of strategic design. They distinguish strategy from tactics, emphasizing the need for clear strategies to enhance user experiences and align with business goals. The conversation also delves into the importance of different organizational roles in design, the impact of community engagement, and the necessity for adaptable strategies in both professional and personal life. Plus, they share a lighthearted take on vacation soap quirks!

Oct 13, 2024 • 41min
43: Design for Customization
The hosts share their chaotic house-moving experiences, offering a humorous take on settling into new spaces. They delve into the differences between customization and personalization in design, stressing user-driven changes. The discussion includes how A-B testing shapes user experiences, illustrated with examples like Facebook's interface. They also explore the limitations of operating systems, comparing Android and iOS, and highlight the importance of accessibility in software design, emphasizing user preferences and effective default settings.

Sep 22, 2024 • 45min
42: Performative Good Design
Dive into the ranty world of performative design! Explore the push for aesthetics over functionality and how social media pressures designers. The hosts discuss the illusion of design, where marketing often misrepresents user experience. They tackle the nuances of performance reviews and the informal dynamics of promotions in workplaces. With a humorous touch, they critique the industry's obsession with surface-level appeal and the impact on originality, making a compelling case for genuine, purpose-driven creativity.

Sep 8, 2024 • 44min
41: Elegance vs. Extravagance
Anthony shares a quote to define elegance vs. extravagance as "do a lot with a little vs. a lot with a lot". Katie and Anthony discuss how this relates to interface design and the impact it has on interaction design and product longevity.
Hosts:
Anthony Hobday, Generalist Product Designer: https://twitter.com/hobdaydesign
Katie Langerman, Systems Designer: https://twitter.com/KatieLangerman

Aug 25, 2024 • 43min
40: Should Designers Code?
This conversation dives into the debate on whether designers should learn to code. The hosts discuss how coding skills can enhance interface design and improve efficiency. They explore the evolving relationship between designers and developers, highlighting the challenges and benefits of collaboration. The complexities of balancing design tools with coding practices are examined, emphasizing the potential for innovation when these disciplines merge. Ultimately, they advocate for a thoughtful discussion on this multifaceted topic.