Writing

Published when I have worked something out properly, rather than on a schedule. Point at a row to see what you are getting.

Focus rings you can actually see

Every design system I have worked in eventually tries to make the focus ring quieter. Here is why that is the wrong direction, and what to do instead.

Jul 22, 2026 6 min
A type scale without the math

Modular scales are elegant on paper and awkward in a real interface. What I use instead is shorter, uglier, and has never once let me down.

Jun 4, 2026 5 min
The case for boring interfaces

The best compliment an interface ever got from me was that I could not remember using it. I think we should aim for that more often.

Apr 17, 2026 4 min
What shipping a Mac app alone taught me

Eighteen months, one person, one small menu bar app. Notes on what turned out to matter and what turned out not to.

Feb 9, 2026 8 min
Stop the page from jumping

Layout shift is almost always four causes, and three of them take under a minute to fix. A short field guide.

Nov 30, 2025 5 min