equity & design

A designer is not just someone who comes in to production to make the end product look visually appealing; they have the capability to take on a much greater role in the process. A designer is anyone who has the ability to make a decision that will impact an audience and their environment. “Design is the intention behind an outcome.”

Equity-Centered Community Design involves community development, design-based problem solving, and equitable outcomes. We all have the potential to be an Equity Designer. Designing equitably means understanding the various perspectives and backgrounds of the people in which you are designing with and for. Acknowledging the unique experiences of everyone involved, in turn, creates a safe space in which problem solving and brainstorming has the most potential to take off. In many situations, we are working with people and dealing with issues that might be different from what we know. Everyone comes from a different background and holds different opinions. Whether the difference be race, gender, ethnicity, class, age, ability, or sexual orientation, they are all major aspects of people’s lives and should be respected and taken into account. Diversity is important. The more diverse a group of people, the more perspectives and opinions that can arise. We must be aware of the voices of all humans in order to be the most successful designers. We must integrate the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and life experience of everyone involved in order to reach the most ideal outcome. Inclusion is the act of celebrating differences and embracing diversity in our design process. Diversity and inclusion are very important in human-centered and equity design.