Hidden fault lines and how to spot them — The Responsibility of Design is an event series exploring trust, ethics, and the future of design. In partnership with the Common Cause Collective and AIGA Seattle, Artefact hosted Albert Shum, CVP of Design at Microsoft’s Experiences & Devices Group, to join us in the studio for a conversation with the…

Why the industry needs to adapt now more than ever — Then, now, and always It seems we’re at a pivotal moment in the design industry. As we all have a stake in ensuring the future of design and the products we create, we should take note of the trends and innovations hinting at what’s next. Tectonics are rattling the foundation of how we think…

Design has an intricate lineage. From iconic arts, architecture, and product design to the burgeoning landscape of machine learning, UX, and design systems, design’s identity twists and grows through time with a shared DNA to create. …

How to be a leader and still be yourself — I was recently asked how an introverted designer can still be an effective leader — something that resonates with me when I think back on my own journey. As a young designer I had a million ideas but found it hard to communicate them. I’m Canadian by way of Hong…

A hypothetical code of ethics for design at scale — As technology proliferates throughout our cultures and living environments, it’s clear that the decisions we make as designers have a significant impact on people’s lives. This has always been true — responsible design matters from architecture to journalism, from technology to agriculture to politics. Everything is designed. But where physical…

A reading list for meaningful design at scale — As 2018 winds down, it’s time to start reflecting on the Year in Design and what comes next. This year I’ve had the privilege to travel and connect with design leaders across industries, co-chairing the Design for Inclusivity Industry Summit in St. Louis, joining a panel on evolving visions at…

How to scale meaningful design in a multi-device world — We’re at a point of tension in the design industry. Technology is prolific and continues to trend upward, inundating us with devices and experiences all vying for our attention. Design as a practice has evolved within the melee, redefining the role of designer and expanding the meaning of creativity. At…

And the modern meaning of creativity — The design system is having its moment. IBM, Trello, Airbnb, Google — the Fluent Design System here at Microsoft — companies are evolving their design libraries and tools into full ecosystems, giving designers a way to build cohesive, consistent experiences at scale. It’s a map to align to controls, patterns…

How an inclusive process creates more accessible and ethical products — How radical empathy defines our product ethos If design culture is the spirit of how we design at Microsoft, then design thinking is the manifestation of that culture. It’s the way we seek meaning in our work to make the impact we want. …