Systems of Harm
Design systems are the systems of tools, processes and practices that we use to create digital products, like websites and applications. But can design systems play a role in perpetuating systemic harm? Can they do anything to mitigate it?
Displaying all 7 Episode of Systems of Harm with the tag “amy hupe”.
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Design Systems and burnout with Sara Wachter-Boettcher
November 6th, 2025 | Season 2 | 53 mins 8 secs
amy hupe, burnout, systems of harm
To round off the series, I’m speaking to coach, speaker and author of Technically Wrong and Design for Real Life, Sara Wachter-Boettcher. Sara and I talk about why those of us working on design systems are so vulnerable to burnout and what we can do to prevent it. We talk about the importance of living your values, advocating for what’s right, and - crucially - knowing when to quit.
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Design systems and ADHD with Brad Frost
October 30th, 2025 | Season 2 | 59 mins 39 secs
adhd, amy hupe, systems of harm
Is ADHD a barrier to working on design systems, or is it actually a superpower? In this episode, I talk to Brad Frost, creator, web designer, teacher, speaker and writer about his recent experience of being diagnosed with ADHD, and what the past few years have taught him about resilience and self-compassion.
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Design systems and big life events with Amy Hupe (featuring special guest host Luke Murphy)
October 23rd, 2025 | Season 2 | 57 mins 40 secs
amy hupe, systems of harm
What role do design systems play in supporting people navigating big life events and transitions? In this special episode, I move into the guest seat to discuss a recent life change I’ve been through, with help from special guest host and friend of the pod, Luke Murphy.
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Design systems and gender with Lou Downe
October 16th, 2025 | Season 2 | 56 mins 16 secs
amy hupe, systems of harm
How do design systems fit into wider social and political systems when it comes to gender, and the inclusion (or exclusion) of trans people? How do they perpetuate exclusion, and what can those of us working on design systems do to mitigate it? I talk to Lou Downe, author of the best-selling book, Good Services, about their experience of trans-exclusion, and using service and systems design to advocate for equity.
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Design systems and accessibility with Léonie Watson
October 9th, 2025 | Season 2 | 51 mins 56 secs
amy hupe, systems of harm
How can design systems help us to create more accessible user experiences? How can we win hearts and minds in the fight to create more equitable experiences for disabled people? Will AI help or hinder us in the process? In this episode I talk to accessibility specialist Léonie Watson, Founder and Director of Tetralogical, Chair of the W3C Board of Directors, and co-Chair of the W3C Web Applications Working Group.
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Design systems and activism with Geri Reid
October 2nd, 2025 | Season 2 | 53 mins 9 secs
amy hupe, systems of harm
What does effective activism look like when it comes to design systems and inclusion? Why are so many of us missing the mark when making the case for prioritising accessibility, and what can we do about it? I talk to Geri Reid, accessibility specialist, to get her tricks of the trade.
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Design systems and accessibility with Fred Warburton
June 5th, 2023 | 52 mins 11 secs
amy hupe, fred warburton, systems of harm
How can design systems help us to create more accessible digital products and services, and what are the limits to that? In this episode I talk to design systems manager, accessibility advocate, and good friend of mine, Fred Warburton.
Fred shares his experience with sight loss, and how that motivated him to learn about digital accessibility, and create meaningful change.