Adopting a "Design By" Method

Key Insights

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  Designers have significant power to include or exclude voices through their priorities and advocacy.

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  Traditional 'design for' approaches often perpetuate colonialist and white supremacy cultural values.

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  Shifting from designing for to designing with or by communities leads to more equitable outcomes.

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  Equality means equal access, but equity focuses on equal outcomes tailored to real needs.

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  Self-awareness of privilege and identity is crucial for effective inclusive design.

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  Participatory design methods empower marginalized voices and improve collaboration.

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  Provocative prototypes can provoke meaningful conversations and surface unconsidered values.

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  Hiring for lived experience enriches design processes beyond academic or work credentials.

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  Intentional gap analysis in research reveals whose voices are missing and helps address systemic exclusion.

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  Investing in continuous learning through resources like Creative Reaction Lab and Design Justice is key to advancing design equity.

Notable Quotes