Far From the Valley

Far From the Valley is a digital home for critical thought about designing for technology in sectors and domains not best served by the Silicon Valley mindset

The hottest Substack posts of Far From the Valley

And their main takeaways

Life, the UX-verse and Everything

359 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23

🎭️ Culture Workplace dynamics

Work environments can sometimes undermine an individual's efforts and focus on trivial matters over substantial contributions.
Corporate environments may prioritize appearance and perceptions over the actual quality of work, leading to a sense of demoralization.
Despite entering the field with a desire to make a positive impact, many individuals in the UX industry face disappointment due to leadership priorities and the lack of value placed on meaningful work.

Dear New Designers, It’s Not You, It’s Them

2 HN points • 15 Jul 24

🪑 Design Professional development Digital Content Career Advice Industry challenges

Be cautious of online design influencers who may prioritize personal branding over practical advice.
Focus on the substantial, impactful work happening in design beyond social media hype and viral content.
Take control of your design career by being selective with the advice you follow and finding inspiration in meaningful work.

Toxicity in Digital Design: A Status Report

59 implied HN points • 30 Nov 21

🪑 Design Education Inclusion Ethics

The article sparked important conversations in the digital design community, revealing concerns about toxicity in design education, inclusion, and ethics.
Despite expecting backlash, the author received mostly positive reactions to their article, showcasing a potential lack of true engagement with industry issues.
The author's network expanded significantly, allowing for valuable collaborations with experts in the field, highlighting the importance of connections in addressing complex industry challenges.