ConvergeUS 2023 wrap up

After the smashing success of ConvergeLDN in 2022, the zeroheight gang packed their bags, and landed in the Bay Area to host the epic Converge US 2023. This time around, it wasn’t just a day of conferencing and networking – we cranked up the excitement by adding a full-day workshop hosted by none other than the grand master of Atomic Design himself, Brad Frost.

We promised a wild ride filled with ideas, experiences, and shared knowledge, all wrapped up in a sense of community and it’s safe to say ConvergeUS delivered.

Day One –  The first day of ConvergeUS was all about a full-day workshop led by Brad. His expertise and passion for design systems have influenced more people than we can count.

The workshop took us on a deep dive into the incredible world of Design Systems. Brad guided us through the principles and methodologies like nobody’s business. He made complex concepts feel like a breeze, so even design system newbies were able to keep up.

Photo of Brad Frost and Attendees of the ConvergeUS Workshop

Day Two – The Great Star theatre doors opened, the confetti flew, and the energy at ConvergeUS skyrocketed. Around 100 design systems enthusiasts were buzzing and the day did not disappoint. Brad opened the day up with his talk “Is Atomic Design dead?” and reflected on the past, present and the future of design systems.

Nerding out on #designsystems today 🤓 #ConvergeUS @zeroheight @brad_frost pic.twitter.com/rxYNpffo1q

— Raymond Luong (@luongraymond) May 18, 2023

Val Head’s talk “Animation, Your Design System, and You!” covered all about how to document animation in a design system effectively.

Motion is part of your product’s design language. Having and setting intentions around when and how is just a small part of the process. #designsystem #motion #ConvergeUS https://t.co/VUkBS5c6mh pic.twitter.com/W2uc1jtPoS

— 👋🏼 hi, i’m katie (@kswansondesign) May 20, 2023

Adekunle Oduye’s “Design Systems in Transition: Navigating Change and Adaptation” touched on approaches to use to ensure design system flexibility and growth.

So much good stuff here today! @adekunleoduye on stage right now dropping so much good info on keeping systems thriving through change. #ConvergeUS pic.twitter.com/KVoaqkPIWP

— Sarrah Vesselov 🏳️‍🌈 🇺🇦 (opinions mine alone) (@SVesselov) May 18, 2023

Sarrah Vesselov was up next with “Leading design systems in impossible circumstances” and explained all the ways the team at honeycomb.io were able to scale their design system.

Great advice for both design systems and life from @SVesselov at #ConvergeUS. pic.twitter.com/haxujRF7PY

— Brad Frost (@brad_frost) May 18, 2023

Our very own Luke Murphy took the stage with “The future of documentation is structured” and even added a history lesson in their talk!

Always the professional @lurkmoophy #ConvergeUS pic.twitter.com/kiuSIcHlKx

— Geri Reid (@gerireid) May 18, 2023

Last but not least, Geri Reid had the crowd laughing with “What do you do when your design system grows up, moves out, and gets its own apartment?”

OMG @gerireid's talk on evolving design systems is fantastic. Great thoughts on the future of design systems. pic.twitter.com/DlVQ1BZSOF

— Brad Frost (@brad_frost) May 18, 2023

The day was a massive success and the best part is we have all the talks available here.

Now we’re off organizing ConvergeUK. See you then!