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Summary
In this Civic Design Community call, we heard from Lesley-Ann Noel, PhD., and Jennifer Strickland, Senior Human Centered Design, Accessibility Engineer. Jennifer and Lesley-Ann chatted about how they approach equitable design through language, frameworks, tools, methods — and self-care. The conversation will cover how Lesley-Ann created The Designer’s Critical Alphabet, and introduce the new book she contributed to,The Black Experience in Design: Identity, Expression, & Reflection.
Key Insights
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Designers possess the power to decide who is included in conversations about products and services.
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The world is facing unprecedented challenges, making inclusive design even more critical.
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Creating spaces where all voices are welcomed can transform team dynamics and promote inclusivity.
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Tools like the Designers Critical Alphabet are essential for critiquing traditional design education.
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The importance of therapy and self-care in maintaining mental health amidst the pressures of the design profession.
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Diversity and inclusivity must go beyond tokenism to create genuine co-creation opportunities.
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Academia can push back against traditional narratives in design by fostering critical thinking.
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Positionality in design is key to understanding and addressing systemic power dynamics.
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Global South perspectives can offer valuable insights into equity and justice in design practices.
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Professional environments must shift to accommodate diverse identities rather than expecting individuals to adapt.
Notable Quotes
"The world is on fire, and we as designers have the potential to be brave and do the work that includes everyone."
"I created the Critical Alphabet in response to what I saw was missing in classrooms about diversity and social justice."
"When I taught in California, I noticed issues were absent in the conversations that made me create the Critical Alphabet."
"The Good Vibes deck introduces positive principles like gratitude and joy in design."
"I want to co-create new conversations, not just be included in existing ones."
"We should be able to talk about our experiences and mental health without fear of retribution."
"It's emotional labor to navigate these identity dynamics every day."
"We can use design tools to facilitate conversations that challenge the status quo."
"It's vital to remind people in power that those they perceive as powerless often hold significant insight and influence."
"Creating a safe space for everyone means recognizing diverse perspectives and making room for them."
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