Peer Accountability Changes Culture and 50 Cent Sets the Standard
It is another one of those moments, brought to us by Netflix, where a docuseries takes over the cultural zeitgeist. It seems like every water cooler conversation and internet meme…
The power of genuine contributions (aka showing up beyond visibility)
The Microsoft 365 Community and MVP program relies on open-source contributions that are unpaid and done in our spare time on top of work and life responsibilities. Like other volunteer-driven…
When good intentions fall short: Accountability and repair matter more than intent
We’ve all heard it before: “I didn’t mean to upset you.” When your heart was genuinely in the right place it’s only normal to feel defensive as a first reaction.…
Living UX values beyond the screen
When I talk about user experience (UX), I emphasize empathy, clarity, and connection. Those aren’t just design principles… they’re human principles I deeply believe in. Before my career in tech,…
🚨SharePoint Document Library UI update: Why it misses the mark 👎
I have a lot to say about this from a user experience perspective and spoiler…. it isn’t very positive 😥 While I love Microsoft’s continual commitment to iterative improvement, here…
From the printing press to JMail: Making information more accessible through familiar interfaces
(Alternate title: how I’ve spent my weekend) Just as the printing press democratized access to knowledge by making books widely available, modern UX principles remind us that information isn’t truly…
Places I do not want AI: A reaction to the 2025 Microsoft Ignite Keynote
As someone who has lived through the consequences of misdiagnosis for over 20 years, I watched the Microsoft Ignite keynote this year with mixed emotions. The spotlight was on Copilot’s…
Gatekeeping by Comment: How to be helpful in technical discussions (without flexing)
In tech communities, how we respond matters just as much as what we know. This post explores how certain types of replies, even well-intentioned ones, can unintentionally shut down dialogue.…
Emily Mancini 