The Design of Complex Things
The Design of Complex Things
Matt Queen
In this podcast I take design problems and generalize them to relatable examples—to introduce you to the concept of complexity in the design of software and machine interfaces. Subscribe to the email list for links to UI prototypes, design experiments, and behind-the-scenes details. https://complexthings.design complexthings.substack.com
2.1 AUI Part 1: Data Ontology
In this episode I talk out my approach for creating an Autogenerated User Interface (AUI).Prototype discussed in this episode:https://codepen.io/mattjqueen/pen/qBJevObAudio featured in this episode came from the following artists:GioeleFazzeriNaturesEyeNRA-LABSamuelFrancisJohnsonAmurichJuliusHEpisode cover image photo by Maksim Istomin This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit complexthings.substack.com
Jun 9, 2023
29 min
2.0 Year 1 retrospective
In this episode I recap what went well, what could use improvement, and what went wrong. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit complexthings.substack.com
May 19, 2023
5 min
1.3 Relegraphy
In this episode I talk out the concept of relevance as it exists in both tagged data, and graph data. The complexity explored here pertains to the conceptual distance between tags, and the articulatory distance between relationship categories—and the resulting relevance yielded.The scenario used in this episode is based on my work with the New Masters Academy. (nma.art) If you are an artist or are interested in learning to draw/paint or sculpt—check out their free classes. It is hands down the best art education onlineBelow is the prototype discussed in this episode.https://codepen.io/mattjqueen/full/RwLvQOxIf you liked this episode, shout out to me on twitter or linkedin. I’d love to hear from you.The background photo used in the cover art of this episode is the work of Jacek Dylag. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit complexthings.substack.com
May 14, 2022
20 min
1.2 (No)Code Builders
In this episode I discuss why (no) code builders can be counterintuitive for users. The complexity exists in the disconnect between natural language logic and visual conventions of code builder UIs, requiring mental acrobaticsBelow is the prototype discussed in this episode.https://codepen.io/mattjqueen/full/BaJapodIf you liked this episode, shout out to me on twitter or linkedin. I’d love to hear from you.The background photo used in the cover art of this episode is the work of Max Larochelle. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit complexthings.substack.com
Mar 27, 2022
24 min
1.1 Sharing Expertise with Computers
In this episode we grapple with an obvious complexity. In our scenario of a drone-based shipping service the user and computer can both detect and resolve issues the other can’t—yet must must deal with inevitable unknowns.Below is the prototype discussed in this episode.https://codepen.io/mattjqueen/full/dyZRJqBIf you liked this episode shout out to me on twitter or linkedin, I’d love to hear from you.The drone “theme” audio track used in this episode, which so perfectly captures the vibe of haphazard autonomous drone decisions, is the work of Winjer3. Check out his circuit-bent producing skills at his Bandcamp or FMA page.The photo used in the episode cover art is the work of Chandler Cruttenden. Find more his photography on Unsplash. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit complexthings.substack.com
Feb 20, 2022
20 min
1.0 The Design of Complex Things: Intro
In this inaugural episode we talk about the purpose of the show, the definition of complexity and why complexity makes design important.The track that inspired the vibe of this episode was produced by Rrrrrose at loyaltyfreakmusic.com. Rrrrrose put’s 98% of their music in the public domain (CC0 license) meaning you can use it in your own podcasts and media projects. The episode artwork background photo is by Elia Pellegrini on Unsplash. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit complexthings.substack.com
Feb 11, 2022
6 min