Summary
The speaker, an inclusive design Ops program manager, begins by addressing the multiple definitions of inclusion, urging attendees to reflect on their perceptions of the term within design Ops. They highlight the connection between inclusion and the design process, posing the guiding question, 'who might we be excluding?' This prompts discussions around diverse identities including race, culture, gender, and trauma survivors. The speaker encourages attendees to seek common ground in their definitions of inclusion to foster collaboration. They present a lineup of talks focusing on various perspectives, such as accessibility, global practices, feminism, and neurodiversity, all aimed at integrating inclusion into design. The talk ties into the conference's theme of building clarity by advocating for intentional inclusion as a means to prioritize what matters in design work. The speaker also recognizes the discomfort surrounding these conversations but emphasizes their necessity. Lastly, the 'head, heart, and hands' framework is introduced as a preparatory tool for engaging with these topics: using logical reasoning (head), emotional vulnerability (heart), and actionable steps (hands) for effective integration of inclusion practices.
Key Insights
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Inclusion has various definitions and all are valid.
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Inclusive design processes aim to identify who might be excluded.
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Accessibility is central to inclusive design but is only one aspect.
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Collaboration is key; look for commonality in different definitions of inclusion.
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The talks will address multiple lenses of inclusion: accessibility, global perspectives, feminism, and neurodiversity.
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Intentional inclusion brings clarity to design priorities.
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Conversations around inclusion may invoke discomfort, which is a sign of progressing dialogue.
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Employing the head, heart, and hands framework can guide conversations about inclusion.
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Leading with empathy can drive meaningful change in design practices.
Notable Quotes
"When I use the word inclusion, I'm usually using it in conjunction with inclusive design."
"The guiding question I've adopted is who might we be excluding?"
"Look for the overlap in definitions of inclusion rather than differences."
"When we start being intentional about inclusion, we gain clarity."
"We have the skills to lead big initiatives like inclusion."
"Some of these talks might make people feel uncomfortable; that's okay."
"Be ready to ask the question: why do we need to include inclusion in design Ops?"
"Be ready to be a little vulnerable and recognize when we need to change."
"Listen for actionable things you can start to do in your teams right after this Summit."
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