Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
@adrianortega.bsky.social
Existential holistic detective 🇪🇸
User-centred design at
the Centre for Digital Public Services 🏴
Views my own, and all that.
https://linktr.ee/AdrianOrtega
User-centred design at
the Centre for Digital Public Services 🏴
Views my own, and all that.
https://linktr.ee/AdrianOrtega
Pinned
Monthnotes: October 2025
Back from the annual raclette weekend in West Wales and somehow it’s already November. October disappeared fast — spooky season came and…
bit.ly
October monthnotes are up! This time:
– Finalising new guidance for the Service Manual
– Service patterns and a Design System chat
– Community sessions and team away days
– Flywheels and solving the right problem
Take a look! bit.ly/3Lm5up9
– Finalising new guidance for the Service Manual
– Service patterns and a Design System chat
– Community sessions and team away days
– Flywheels and solving the right problem
Take a look! bit.ly/3Lm5up9
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Last week I shared my 3 laws of form design.
Here’s a breakdown of the first law which is perfectly captured by a question one of my subscribers asked me:
“How can we bring joy to people who use enterprise applications for 40 hours a week?”
Here’s a breakdown of the first law which is perfectly captured by a question one of my subscribers asked me:
“How can we bring joy to people who use enterprise applications for 40 hours a week?”
November 12, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Last week I shared my 3 laws of form design.
Here’s a breakdown of the first law which is perfectly captured by a question one of my subscribers asked me:
“How can we bring joy to people who use enterprise applications for 40 hours a week?”
Here’s a breakdown of the first law which is perfectly captured by a question one of my subscribers asked me:
“How can we bring joy to people who use enterprise applications for 40 hours a week?”
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Please can we stop with "Knowledge Hubs".
They just don't work. They are never invested in. They are not publicised. They are out of date the second you launch it.
You have to build knowledge exchange and sharing into your working practices. Making it a standalone thing DOES NOT WORK.
They just don't work. They are never invested in. They are not publicised. They are out of date the second you launch it.
You have to build knowledge exchange and sharing into your working practices. Making it a standalone thing DOES NOT WORK.
November 12, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Please can we stop with "Knowledge Hubs".
They just don't work. They are never invested in. They are not publicised. They are out of date the second you launch it.
You have to build knowledge exchange and sharing into your working practices. Making it a standalone thing DOES NOT WORK.
They just don't work. They are never invested in. They are not publicised. They are out of date the second you launch it.
You have to build knowledge exchange and sharing into your working practices. Making it a standalone thing DOES NOT WORK.
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Never forget
November 12, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Never forget
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
🔥 Exciting news...early bird tickets for #CampDigital 2026 are now available!
We're back at the RNCM on Thurs 7th May, and we've already confirmed some fantastic speakers and workshops (with more TBA)!
Check out our lineup so far, and book early birds at:
www.nexerdigital.com/camp-digital...
We're back at the RNCM on Thurs 7th May, and we've already confirmed some fantastic speakers and workshops (with more TBA)!
Check out our lineup so far, and book early birds at:
www.nexerdigital.com/camp-digital...
November 12, 2025 at 3:01 PM
🔥 Exciting news...early bird tickets for #CampDigital 2026 are now available!
We're back at the RNCM on Thurs 7th May, and we've already confirmed some fantastic speakers and workshops (with more TBA)!
Check out our lineup so far, and book early birds at:
www.nexerdigital.com/camp-digital...
We're back at the RNCM on Thurs 7th May, and we've already confirmed some fantastic speakers and workshops (with more TBA)!
Check out our lineup so far, and book early birds at:
www.nexerdigital.com/camp-digital...
October monthnotes are up! This time:
– Finalising new guidance for the Service Manual
– Service patterns and a Design System chat
– Community sessions and team away days
– Flywheels and solving the right problem
Take a look! bit.ly/3Lm5up9
– Finalising new guidance for the Service Manual
– Service patterns and a Design System chat
– Community sessions and team away days
– Flywheels and solving the right problem
Take a look! bit.ly/3Lm5up9
Monthnotes: October 2025
Back from the annual raclette weekend in West Wales and somehow it’s already November. October disappeared fast — spooky season came and…
bit.ly
November 3, 2025 at 6:38 PM
October monthnotes are up! This time:
– Finalising new guidance for the Service Manual
– Service patterns and a Design System chat
– Community sessions and team away days
– Flywheels and solving the right problem
Take a look! bit.ly/3Lm5up9
– Finalising new guidance for the Service Manual
– Service patterns and a Design System chat
– Community sessions and team away days
– Flywheels and solving the right problem
Take a look! bit.ly/3Lm5up9
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Job change note - I’ve been a consultant in a commercial agency for 2 years. I’ve worked with companies, for international organisations, local government, national government and local government. This is what I’ve learned medium.com/@jack.garfin...
Two year note
The last time I finished a role, I wrote about it. It was a useful thing to do and look back on. So, here I am again — I’ve been a…
medium.com
October 25, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Job change note - I’ve been a consultant in a commercial agency for 2 years. I’ve worked with companies, for international organisations, local government, national government and local government. This is what I’ve learned medium.com/@jack.garfin...
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
New post on the Transform Wales blog from @niacampbell.bsky.social.
We've learned the language of digital in Wales - agile, user-centred, transformation. Now it's time to learn how to live it.
transform.wales/blog/2025/pr...
We've learned the language of digital in Wales - agile, user-centred, transformation. Now it's time to learn how to live it.
transform.wales/blog/2025/pr...
October 27, 2025 at 3:18 PM
New post on the Transform Wales blog from @niacampbell.bsky.social.
We've learned the language of digital in Wales - agile, user-centred, transformation. Now it's time to learn how to live it.
transform.wales/blog/2025/pr...
We've learned the language of digital in Wales - agile, user-centred, transformation. Now it's time to learn how to live it.
transform.wales/blog/2025/pr...
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Did you know that there's a Slack community for digital folks in Wales?
It's called Cymru Ddigidol and you can join us here: join.slack.com/t/cymruddigi...
Ymunwch a ni! Join us!
It's called Cymru Ddigidol and you can join us here: join.slack.com/t/cymruddigi...
Ymunwch a ni! Join us!
Join Cymru Ddigidol on Slack
Slack is a new way to communicate with your team. It’s faster, better organized, and more secure than email.
join.slack.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Did you know that there's a Slack community for digital folks in Wales?
It's called Cymru Ddigidol and you can join us here: join.slack.com/t/cymruddigi...
Ymunwch a ni! Join us!
It's called Cymru Ddigidol and you can join us here: join.slack.com/t/cymruddigi...
Ymunwch a ni! Join us!
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Super proud that our report is now out! 🏴
Massive shout out to @annkempster.com, @daivaughan.uk and @jocarter.bsky.social 🎉
We'd love to hear what you think!
Massive shout out to @annkempster.com, @daivaughan.uk and @jocarter.bsky.social 🎉
We'd love to hear what you think!
Today, we're launching Transforming Public Services for a Modern Wales. This report sets out a clear path for the next Welsh Government to move beyond short-term fixes and deliver better, human-centred services.
#DigitalWales #PublicServiceReform
#DigitalWales #PublicServiceReform
October 10, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Super proud that our report is now out! 🏴
Massive shout out to @annkempster.com, @daivaughan.uk and @jocarter.bsky.social 🎉
We'd love to hear what you think!
Massive shout out to @annkempster.com, @daivaughan.uk and @jocarter.bsky.social 🎉
We'd love to hear what you think!
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Diolch enfawr i bawb sydd wedi cyfrannu yn barod!
A huge thanks to everyone who has supported our Crowdfunder so far!
A huge thanks to everyone who has supported our Crowdfunder so far!
Digital isn’t just about tech. It’s how we fix broken systems and services.
Our new report (published this Friday) shows how – but we need your help to get it in front of decision-makers before the 2026 election.
Support our Crowdfunder: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/transform-...
Our new report (published this Friday) shows how – but we need your help to get it in front of decision-makers before the 2026 election.
Support our Crowdfunder: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/transform-...
Fund the Transform Wales Publication
We’re crowdfunding to get our report into the hands of Wales’ 2026 decision-makers and spark debate on transforming public services.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Diolch enfawr i bawb sydd wedi cyfrannu yn barod!
A huge thanks to everyone who has supported our Crowdfunder so far!
A huge thanks to everyone who has supported our Crowdfunder so far!
September monthnotes are up! This time:
– New guidance in the Service Manual
– The future of CDPS
– Public design patterns in London, dignity in Edinburgh
– Art, psychogeography, and patience
Take a look! bit.ly/48ajyeN
– New guidance in the Service Manual
– The future of CDPS
– Public design patterns in London, dignity in Edinburgh
– Art, psychogeography, and patience
Take a look! bit.ly/48ajyeN
Monthnotes: September 2025
It’s been over a month since my last weeknote, so this time it’s a monthnote.
bit.ly
October 1, 2025 at 12:45 PM
September monthnotes are up! This time:
– New guidance in the Service Manual
– The future of CDPS
– Public design patterns in London, dignity in Edinburgh
– Art, psychogeography, and patience
Take a look! bit.ly/48ajyeN
– New guidance in the Service Manual
– The future of CDPS
– Public design patterns in London, dignity in Edinburgh
– Art, psychogeography, and patience
Take a look! bit.ly/48ajyeN
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
We’ve hit a new milestone at ADHD Pathfinding!
In 3 months we’ve launched a survey, built a coalition, published weeknotes/blogs and started growing a community.
Now we’re looking for a Comms, Content & Engagement Lead to help shape our voice.
Reply here or email:
[email protected]
In 3 months we’ve launched a survey, built a coalition, published weeknotes/blogs and started growing a community.
Now we’re looking for a Comms, Content & Engagement Lead to help shape our voice.
Reply here or email:
[email protected]
Be the voice of ADHD Pathfinding: Comms, Content & Engagement Lead (volunteer)
A lived-experience-led role to shape how we show up in the world
medium.com
September 27, 2025 at 12:38 PM
We’ve hit a new milestone at ADHD Pathfinding!
In 3 months we’ve launched a survey, built a coalition, published weeknotes/blogs and started growing a community.
Now we’re looking for a Comms, Content & Engagement Lead to help shape our voice.
Reply here or email:
[email protected]
In 3 months we’ve launched a survey, built a coalition, published weeknotes/blogs and started growing a community.
Now we’re looking for a Comms, Content & Engagement Lead to help shape our voice.
Reply here or email:
[email protected]
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
We’re launching a monthly newsletter to provide updates on our report and give you
a roundup of digital news in Wales and links to jobs.
First issue out this weekend.
Sign up here: buttondown.com/transformwales
a roundup of digital news in Wales and links to jobs.
First issue out this weekend.
Sign up here: buttondown.com/transformwales
Transform Wales Newsletter
Be part of the conversation about digital in Wales. Subscribe to the Transform Wales newsletter for: updates on our work and report a monthly roundup of digital news in Wales opportunities to get inv...
buttondown.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:32 PM
We’re launching a monthly newsletter to provide updates on our report and give you
a roundup of digital news in Wales and links to jobs.
First issue out this weekend.
Sign up here: buttondown.com/transformwales
a roundup of digital news in Wales and links to jobs.
First issue out this weekend.
Sign up here: buttondown.com/transformwales
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Happy Friday!
If you'd like to listen to a talk on considering intersectionality and compounding barriers when we think about accessibility, the recording is now on YouTube!
Thank you @contentdesign.london @tomyoull.bsky.social @niacampbell.bsky.social @adrianortega.bsky.social for having me! 💖
If you'd like to listen to a talk on considering intersectionality and compounding barriers when we think about accessibility, the recording is now on YouTube!
Thank you @contentdesign.london @tomyoull.bsky.social @niacampbell.bsky.social @adrianortega.bsky.social for having me! 💖
September 26, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Happy Friday!
If you'd like to listen to a talk on considering intersectionality and compounding barriers when we think about accessibility, the recording is now on YouTube!
Thank you @contentdesign.london @tomyoull.bsky.social @niacampbell.bsky.social @adrianortega.bsky.social for having me! 💖
If you'd like to listen to a talk on considering intersectionality and compounding barriers when we think about accessibility, the recording is now on YouTube!
Thank you @contentdesign.london @tomyoull.bsky.social @niacampbell.bsky.social @adrianortega.bsky.social for having me! 💖
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
👀 🏴
Test print of our book arrived today.
Watch this space…
Test print of our book arrived today.
Watch this space…
September 18, 2025 at 1:55 PM
👀 🏴
Test print of our book arrived today.
Watch this space…
Test print of our book arrived today.
Watch this space…
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Come and join the conversation in our monthly #DesignSystemChat. This month we'll be talking about #ServicePatterns.
🗓️ Tuesday 30 September, 2pm-3pm BST
🎟️ Read more and grab a ticket here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/design-sys...
🗓️ Tuesday 30 September, 2pm-3pm BST
🎟️ Read more and grab a ticket here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/design-sys...
Design System Chat - September 2025
Join us for July 2025's Design System Chat to discuss Service Patterns. Hosted by the GOV.UK Design System.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
September 16, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Come and join the conversation in our monthly #DesignSystemChat. This month we'll be talking about #ServicePatterns.
🗓️ Tuesday 30 September, 2pm-3pm BST
🎟️ Read more and grab a ticket here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/design-sys...
🗓️ Tuesday 30 September, 2pm-3pm BST
🎟️ Read more and grab a ticket here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/design-sys...
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Human(e) Centred #ContentDesign talk youtu.be/azHtWjp_8LM?... (22 mins inc captions)
Human(e) Centred Content Design
YouTube video by Alastair Somerville
youtu.be
September 3, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Human(e) Centred #ContentDesign talk youtu.be/azHtWjp_8LM?... (22 mins inc captions)
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
You might not know:
There used to be a hidden page for many services on GOV.UK, which would display the underlying user need through a user story and its alignment with the platform proposition.
You just had to insert /info to any service landing page’s URL.
I still think it’s brilliant.
There used to be a hidden page for many services on GOV.UK, which would display the underlying user need through a user story and its alignment with the platform proposition.
You just had to insert /info to any service landing page’s URL.
I still think it’s brilliant.
August 28, 2025 at 9:59 AM
You might not know:
There used to be a hidden page for many services on GOV.UK, which would display the underlying user need through a user story and its alignment with the platform proposition.
You just had to insert /info to any service landing page’s URL.
I still think it’s brilliant.
There used to be a hidden page for many services on GOV.UK, which would display the underlying user need through a user story and its alignment with the platform proposition.
You just had to insert /info to any service landing page’s URL.
I still think it’s brilliant.
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
What makes content accessible? A personal blog post from me on:
- structures
- senses
- complexity, ‘noise’ and maintaining a sense of place
- fast, shallow tests in production
- testing with disabled people
- hiring disabled people onto design teams
medium.com/@jack.garfin...
- structures
- senses
- complexity, ‘noise’ and maintaining a sense of place
- fast, shallow tests in production
- testing with disabled people
- hiring disabled people onto design teams
medium.com/@jack.garfin...
What makes content accessible?
Someone recently asked me how I make content accessible. That’s a short, important question with a big answer. And, it gets harder to…
medium.com
August 21, 2025 at 11:41 AM
What makes content accessible? A personal blog post from me on:
- structures
- senses
- complexity, ‘noise’ and maintaining a sense of place
- fast, shallow tests in production
- testing with disabled people
- hiring disabled people onto design teams
medium.com/@jack.garfin...
- structures
- senses
- complexity, ‘noise’ and maintaining a sense of place
- fast, shallow tests in production
- testing with disabled people
- hiring disabled people onto design teams
medium.com/@jack.garfin...
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Been talking about the future of content design with @niacampbell.bsky.social and @adrianortega.bsky.social…
I used the analogy that we’re waiting for our ‘The Strokes’ moment that happened at the end of the 90s, when they came in and blew up the indie music scene.
youtu.be/BXkm6h6uq0k?...
I used the analogy that we’re waiting for our ‘The Strokes’ moment that happened at the end of the 90s, when they came in and blew up the indie music scene.
youtu.be/BXkm6h6uq0k?...
The Strokes - Hard To Explain (Official HD Video)
YouTube video by thestrokesVEVO
youtu.be
August 19, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Been talking about the future of content design with @niacampbell.bsky.social and @adrianortega.bsky.social…
I used the analogy that we’re waiting for our ‘The Strokes’ moment that happened at the end of the 90s, when they came in and blew up the indie music scene.
youtu.be/BXkm6h6uq0k?...
I used the analogy that we’re waiting for our ‘The Strokes’ moment that happened at the end of the 90s, when they came in and blew up the indie music scene.
youtu.be/BXkm6h6uq0k?...
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Do you think that the discipline of content design has evolved beyond it's formative roots? Do you think it is evolving at the required rate? Faster or slower than other UX disciplines?
August 19, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Do you think that the discipline of content design has evolved beyond it's formative roots? Do you think it is evolving at the required rate? Faster or slower than other UX disciplines?
Happy Monday again! Some weeknotes on:
- Farewells
- Chasing ghosts
- MIT Media Lab principles
- A Moving Castle
Here you go → bit.ly/45cHw7v
- Farewells
- Chasing ghosts
- MIT Media Lab principles
- A Moving Castle
Here you go → bit.ly/45cHw7v
Weeknotes: Sunday 3 August 2025
Feeling a bit flat this week. It’s been meeting-heavy, so not much space or focus time for the doing — I’ve been reviewing content in…
bit.ly
August 4, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Happy Monday again! Some weeknotes on:
- Farewells
- Chasing ghosts
- MIT Media Lab principles
- A Moving Castle
Here you go → bit.ly/45cHw7v
- Farewells
- Chasing ghosts
- MIT Media Lab principles
- A Moving Castle
Here you go → bit.ly/45cHw7v
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Bluesky help:
I'm pulling together a reading list around digital transformation. I've got all the usual recommendations: Lou Downe, Kate Tarling, Giles, Richard Pope, the PD book and other publications etc etc.
What else is essential reading? Books, reports, blog posts etc
I'm pulling together a reading list around digital transformation. I've got all the usual recommendations: Lou Downe, Kate Tarling, Giles, Richard Pope, the PD book and other publications etc etc.
What else is essential reading? Books, reports, blog posts etc
July 31, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Bluesky help:
I'm pulling together a reading list around digital transformation. I've got all the usual recommendations: Lou Downe, Kate Tarling, Giles, Richard Pope, the PD book and other publications etc etc.
What else is essential reading? Books, reports, blog posts etc
I'm pulling together a reading list around digital transformation. I've got all the usual recommendations: Lou Downe, Kate Tarling, Giles, Richard Pope, the PD book and other publications etc etc.
What else is essential reading? Books, reports, blog posts etc
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Our latest @publicdigital.bsky.social book, competitive advantage by design, is here.
Today, design approaches shape how modern businesses are run.
This is a collection of stories that remind us of the joy of design and its transformative potential.
Get your copy public.digital/pd-design-book
Today, design approaches shape how modern businesses are run.
This is a collection of stories that remind us of the joy of design and its transformative potential.
Get your copy public.digital/pd-design-book
July 30, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Our latest @publicdigital.bsky.social book, competitive advantage by design, is here.
Today, design approaches shape how modern businesses are run.
This is a collection of stories that remind us of the joy of design and its transformative potential.
Get your copy public.digital/pd-design-book
Today, design approaches shape how modern businesses are run.
This is a collection of stories that remind us of the joy of design and its transformative potential.
Get your copy public.digital/pd-design-book
Reposted by Adrián Ortega 🗺️🧭
Happy 15th anniversary of the peak achievement of literary criticism, to all who celebrate
July 30, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Happy 15th anniversary of the peak achievement of literary criticism, to all who celebrate