Michelle Lee-Schmidt

Nine contributions designers are making to health system transformation.

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“Where am I?” As our design system matures, things move around. We’re trying to invest in ways that allow feature designers and engineers to locate where they are within a design system, and where to find what they need. → Multiple design libraries can be hard to track and become confusing when designers and engineers aren’t aware of what does and doesn’t exist in each library. → Every component and pattern has a varying degree of specificity from generic to a specific business context or content pattern and deciding what goes where is confusing. → Theming in Figma is great, but... the current nature of variables can make managing multiple modes across multiple brands challenging. Here’s how we’ve been trying to get our head around reducing complexity for our team and consumers 🏗 Figma file architecture - Having a clear plan for structuring your design system libraries is critical for folks to find stuff. Our early attempts at a highly modular system with numerous smaller libraries were too unwieldy. We’ve landed into a Tokens, Components, Patterns, and Features structure that streamlines the process for everyone. It was super cool to stumble on these Figma docs that deep dive into various strategies for organizing your files https://lnkd.in/dGyN-SQw 🚦 Wayfinding elements - Once designers and engineers are in the files themselves, it's still easy to get lost. We’ve implemented consistent color-coded “file covers” distinguishing design system files from feature files, “getting started” pages outlining file dependencies, and consistent page naming conventions indicating iterations from elements that are ready for development. Thanks to Vitaly Friedman for the reference to Saurav Rastogi's post on Figma file organization which is packed with insights. https://lnkd.in/giBs_Jgn 🎨 Multi-brand variables - Our team has worked hard to figure out the most intuitive way to allow for white-labeling our design system for custom theming. We currently leverage modes at multiple layers of the design system based on their specificity from global to semantic to component to pattern. Romina Kavcic has endless resources for teams who are looking to build out their token strategy. https://lnkd.in/deiMGCe9 💎 Wayfinding within design systems is hard but a couple of things that help folks understand where they are and what they can do → Partner with engineers on an architecture that maps somewhat to their mental model making things more intuitive → Setup wayfinding documentation within your Figma files that orient users to where they are within the system → Map your tokens and variables across your system so that it is clear how to layer modes to achieve custom themes #designsystems #figma #uidesign #tokens #components #patterns

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Next week on The Human Centered Design Network podcast we catch up with Jocelyn Wyatt former CEO of IDEO.org and now CEO of Alight. This episode will drop on Tuesday for our premium feed and community members and will be available on Spotify and our YouTube a few days later! We speak about applying Design within the humanitarian world. We speak about colonialism and how we can counteract positioning Design as the saviour to the world's problems. Would love to hear your thoughts... #codesign #resilient #communities

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🚀 Are Companies Cheating UX Maturity with Design Systems? In a recent blog post (https://lnkd.in/etYdAjDW), I shared how some companies attempt to fast-track their design maturity by adopting a design system before determining the best designs to use in the system. The result is a false sense of UX sophistication followed by surprise, and the system doesn't meet expectations. In a recent conversation, a startup was eager to purchase an out-of-the-box design system but still needed to define their product market fit, audience, or user flows. It's like handing over the keys to a Lamborghini to a first-time driver—exciting but potentially disastrous. Imagine trying to build a spaceship without a blueprint—you might end up with a shiny but ultimately useless rocket ship. A well-defined UX process ensures you have the right tools for your specific product needs suited to your brand. How is your organization focusing on the tools or cultivating a culture? If you need guidance on integrating a design system or getting your organization ready for one, feel free to reach out to @Akendi. We're here to help you navigate the journey to design maturity effectively. 🌟 #DesignSystems #UXMaturity #ProductDesign #DesignCulture #Startup #Akendi #UXDesign

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The UXPA Boston conference felt really energizing this year. It was so great to see multiple presentations around accessible design and research. It was also wonderful seeing so many familiar faces. Thanks to everyone who attended our talk on building an accessibility team. You can find the slides here: https://lnkd.in/gcTd9wiS #UXPABOS #UXPABOS24

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I just read Longing for Less: Living with Minimalism by Kyle Chayka, and it got me thinking about the power of minimalism—not just in art and architecture that you hear so much about, but in how we experience the world. Chayka's core message is that minimalism isn't just about reducing clutter—it's about creating space for clarity, intentionality, and deeper meaning... principles that really resonate with me and the UX design discipline. Here are some thoughts looking at Minimalism through the lens of user experience design: https://lnkd.in/gnmJGfyM

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Research is a function of strategy.  "According to CB Insights, over 90% of all products fail, most commonly due to no market need." Leave yourself time to ask big questions about whether any actually needs your product or service before you decide to launch it. #UXstrategy #UXresearch #Marketresearch

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🎉 It’s live! I had an insightful conversation with Jen Briselli on the latest episode of Brave UX! Jen, Co-founder of Topology, shared her thoughts on navigating uncertainty in design and the importance of embracing complexity in our work. 🔑 From understanding the gap between intention and outcome to the value of systems thinking, this episode is packed with transformative ideas for designers looking to thrive in a world of ambiguity. 👂 Catch the full episode and discover how to enhance your design practice through curiosity and continuous learning! Listen to all episodes on the links below ⬇️ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Y99GMO Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3TTT2yi Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gSPvc-Uu For more practical and relevant insights, check out: https://lnkd.in/gxBcq96j #BraveUX #UX #UXResearch #UXR #UserResearch #UXDesign

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I'd argue that design system adoption is going through the typical cycle of novel thought to accepted practice to braindead, box-checking obligation. And this is coming from someone who considers adoption measurement invaluable... There's a lot of detail and qualifications to adoption measurement. Ignoring them turns a valuable health marker into a quota. In our latest episode, Davy Fung and I talk all about adoption, our relationship with it and how use the measure in our work. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gGy2FSSf #designsystems #podcast #adoption

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If we're not talking about design maturity, agile process, or craft, then us designers are probably talking about ✨quality.✨ I certainly see my interviewer's eyes light up when I mention this magical word. "Design is the one that has to hold the quality bar," I tell them. But what if that didn't have to be true? For a truly high-quality product, I don't think it should be design holding the line. It has to be something baked into the organization - everyone holds the quality bar. Even though "quality" is a slippery thing to define, if we can define it and hold ourselves to it, we can reduce the tension in the org and start to think less about the mere baseline quality for the product and more about raising that bar - delighting the user. I very much enjoyed Luke Anthony Firth's take on how they folded quality into their product building process. Have a read! https://lnkd.in/g4SenmYZ #designleadership #productprocess #productdesign #productquality #designquality #opentowork

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I'm really enjoying this podcast from Invisible Machines about how conversational designers are key to unlocking the full potential of AI in customer experience design. As a Designer and English Teacher who often leverages Conversational AI to enhance accessibility, break down communication barriers, and ensure customer/students' practical interaction with materials, I whole-heartedly agree! https://lnkd.in/e3Rtt29J Conversational designers play a crucial role in shaping the future of design by leveraging the power of AI to create more personalized, engaging, and accessible customer experiences. Their expertise in natural language processing, conversational flow, and user experience design is essential for ensuring the success of AI-powered solutions in a wide range of industries. #Design #AI #CustomerExperience #Accessibility #InvisibleMachines

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I know that @Ben Syverson and I are “strange” in the universe of potential business buyers, but I think there is method to our madness (at least that is what I tell myself 😅). Check out why we think we could be a perfect fit for the right business. Know of any leads? Send them my way! #design #designthinking #entreprenurship

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This got me thinking. I hear a lot of leaders say they're looking for cultural transformation, and want to shift in a direction that values reactivity, challenge confrontation, and collaboration. What they're describing is a design-driven culture. Many of these attributes are vital when UX is at the center. If that resonates, then looking at design maturity is the better route. #DesignMaturity #DesignDriven #Culture

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Federated design systems are great. In theory. But reality is a little more complicated. There are challenges associated with quality, consistency and follow through. In our latest episode, Davy Fung and I discuss the highs and lows of federated design systems. What's worked, what hasn't and how to come out the other side in one piece. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/g4W3SYqR #designsystems #podcast

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Skipping strategy in UX design isn’t just missing a step—it’s missing the chance to lead. My latest post explains why UX strategy is essential to project success and how it transforms designers into strategic partners. https://lnkd.in/gtmnFA7a #userexperience #uxstrategy #businessalignment #productdesign #leadership #designleadership

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This is a bit out of my comfort zone as it ventures into entirely new territory for me. I've just launched my very first book: "Design Unlocked - Navigating a Career in Industrial Design," eBook now available through Google Books. https://lnkd.in/eY5aUAGG #DesignUnlocked #IndustrialDesign #NewBookRelease #DesignEducation #CareerGuidance

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Hey friends, I find it challenging to ask directly for support, but I need your opinions on what it means to center the most impacted in design 💬 To "Centre the Most Impacted" is the second principle I'm writing about, following "To be a Designer is to be a Facilitator." I'm passionate about capturing diverse voices on this topic, but I'm struggling to gather people's thoughts 😖 Feedback is at the core of designing for collective spaces - your thoughts, opinions, and ideas are incredibly valuable! The article on what it means to "Center the Most Impacted" is slated for release next Monday. So before then, I would love if you could: 🙋‍♂️ Share your thoughts in the comments, 🔄 Reshare this post, 🗣 And/or use the Miro board linked below to provide feedback! I want to emphasize that every voice matters in this process, and I really cannot write these articles without you - so anything helps! Even suggestions on making it easier to interact 😊 Thank you so much for your support!

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I'm currently doing the smallest possible number of copyedits before we republish Just Enough Research 2e under Mule Design. (Necessary, but not a recommended fun summer activity). As I do this close reading, I'm thinking about the question I've gotten about why I dedicate so much space to personas. It's like 5 pages, which is a lot in a short book. The goal of a persona is to remind everyone involved in making design decisions that they are designing for real people in the real world and provide a common point of reference based in research. Going through the exercise for real (not just doing it up D&D character-sheet style) helps teams internalize external points of view and feel some accountability. Looking at the state of design and technology at the moment, I think personas—based on actually talking to and observing people in their natural habitats—might be more important than ever. I want you all to have to sit with "Dee", and "Jan", and "Chiamaka" and explain what you've done to the apps they depend on.

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Seeing inconsistency from your design team or sluggish turn around times? Your design system might be to blame. Your design system should be chock full of design artifacts to keep your design consistent and under control, but those same artifacts could be the hinderance to your team. You need to add a layer of modular, flexible, reusable and repeatable components to your design system. These components will allow each member of your team to drop them into their layouts, make minor edits (via the property panel in figma) and rapidly create and prototype new layouts with pinpoint accuracy and consistency. For extra points prototype the interactions of each of these modular components within your design system to really speed things up. #figma #designsystem #uxdesign #uidesign #ux #ui

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