Ep 65 Listener questions: Branding navigation, hamburger menus, design systems, inspiring change and more.

Show notes

In Episode 65, Stephen opens up the inbox and takes on five smart, sharp listener questions. From the design of navigation systems to the politics of design systems, from trying to shift culture at a new job to how travel shapes creativity, this episode is a masterclass in strategic thinking, clear perspective, and brutally honest answers.

You’ll hear actionable insights, unconventional opinions, and stories that connect creative process to real-world impact. This one has range.

Question 1: Should site navigation reflect brand or stay strictly functional?

• Navigation is a branding opportunity, but clarity comes first.
• Use animation, interaction, and tone to reinforce brand—but don’t overdo it.
• A confusing nav kills usability and trust.
• Pro tip: If your nav mirrors your org chart, that’s a red flag.

Question 2: Is the hamburger menu a necessary evil?

• It’s a crutch, not a feature.
• Often a dumping ground for lazy or chaotic UX.
• Break platform conventions only with intention and consistency.
• Great UX should feel familiar and new, not confusing.

Question 3: Design systems in big companies—do they help or hurt?

• Systems create consistency, usability, and scale.
• But done wrong, they kill creativity and turn designers into parts-pickers.
• Focus on freedom within a framework. Build for reuse, not restriction.
• Avoid over-templatizing. Atoms > templates.
• A living system needs ownership, evolution, and collaboration with devs.

Question 4: How do you spark change in a small company?

• Change the tools, space, and especially the norms.
• Start small. Find the lowest-risk place to introduce a new approach.
• Demonstrate success. Build from there.
• Don’t expect fast change. Culture moves in years, not weeks.

Question 5: How does travel shape your creativity?

• Travel humbles you. It opens your perspective.
• Great creative work comes from seeing the world differently.
• Seek local, not tourist, experiences.
• Build a global mindset. Meet people. Ask what they love.
• You can travel physically or creatively. Both matter.

Final Thought:

Change, insight, impact—they all start with questions.

Whether it’s a nav decision, a system redesign, or finding your creative fuel, the best answers come from curiosity and perspective.

Keep asking questions. Stay uncomfortable. Grow forward.

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brand identity brand image creativity design practice design s Design Systems inspiring change large enterprise design main navigation necessary evils small organizations Stephen Gates The Crazy One podcast travel inspiration user experience