SUNDAY REWIND: Is inclusive design enough? by Julian Thompson

Rooted by Design is an innovation design lab focused on solving problems that have a disproportionate impact on black communities in the UK. They think about how the problems these communities face, and what design services (often digital) and products should be delivered in response to these problems and solutions.

Julian explores what causes exclusion by design. The main causes are bias and relationship deficit – where we are far removed from the life experiences of those being excluded, and who might not be able to access the service we’re designing for. Exclusion then causes inequality, lack of trust and lack of innovation, he says.

Julian then breaks the value of inclusive design into three different elements:

Designer introspection: By surfacing our biases early, by reflecting on what we assumed about who the problem impacts, and by recognising the role of designers and when we get in the way, we are better placed to cover the blind spots.

Designer mindset: Having principles that centre around inclusion is important.

Design Method: To drive change, we must also understand the context in which we operate.

Julian says: “The starting point for communities isn’t the same. These problems don’t impact communities in the same way. We can’t assume that being inclusive means facilitating everyone to be able to have equal standing in society, equal standards, equal benefits and value from our products and our services. Problems around exclusion are complex, historical and subject to limited budget.” Inclusive design boils down to being mindful of our privilege, remaining humble in our ability to recognise that we are here to serve, and knowing that inclusive design is good.

Watch the original talk: Is inclusive design enough? by Julian Thompson