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Design justice is an approach to designing products, systems, and processes that attempts to address and mitigate historical inequalities, ensuring equitable outcomes for all users. This framework prioritizes the input and needs of marginalized communities throughout the design process.
A vibrant urban intersection characterized by contemporary architecture yet devoid of wheelchair ramps exemplifies the inequities present in design. While the majority of pedestrians traverse these areas with ease, those who rely on wheelchairs face barriers that underscore their exclusion. Similar instances are evident in digital environments that do not cater to colorblind individuals or in public areas that neglect the requirements of parents with strollers. These design shortcomings are not simply minor inconveniences; they perpetuate systemic inequalities, often sidelining particular demographics.
Design Justice provides a framework to confront these issues. As articulated by the Design Justice Network, it aims to “rethink design processes, center individuals who are typically marginalized by design, and employ collaborative, creative practices to tackle the most pressing challenges faced by communities.” By emphasizing the viewpoints of those historically excluded from design decisions, Design Justice seeks to redistribute power and promote inclusivity within systems, environments, and products. [1]
Researcher Sasha Costanza-Chock highlights that Design Justice links design to broader movements for collective liberation and ecological sustainability. This methodology not only critiques conventional design frameworks but also offers practical principles for achieving equitable results.
This article investigates the role of design in perpetuating both visible and hidden inequalities. It delves into the principles of Design Justice, providing concrete examples of its implementation in reimagining public spaces, digital platforms, and consumer goods. The discussion also addresses the challenges associated with applying this framework and proposes strategies for advancing equity through design.
In a time increasingly marked by technological and creative advancements, the pertinent question is no longer whether design can impact lives, but rather how it can be utilized to foster a more just and inclusive world.
Design systems significantly shape societal frameworks, often reinforcing prevailing power structures and marginalizing specific groups. These disparities frequently remain unnoticed by those who are not directly affected, thereby perpetuating systemic inequalities.
Decisions made in urban planning can unintentionally exclude individuals with disabilities. For example, the lack of wheelchair-accessible ramps in public areas restricts mobility for wheelchair users, effectively sidelining them from full engagement in society. Such design decisions indicate a broader neglect of the varied needs of all community members.
In the digital landscape, algorithms that are developed without inclusive considerations can sustain biases. For instance, facial recognition systems have shown increased error rates for individuals with darker skin tones, resulting in misidentifications and reinforcing racial prejudices. This challenge arises from training datasets that lack diversity, underscoring the importance of inclusive data in the development of algorithms. [2]
Healthcare systems that do not take into account cultural and linguistic diversity can marginalize non-native speakers and minority populations. For instance, medical forms and informational resources provided solely in a dominant language can discourage non-native speakers from seeking medical assistance, thereby worsening health disparities. This deficiency in cultural competency in design fails to address the needs of diverse groups, resulting in unequal health outcomes. [3]
The inequities arising from design decisions frequently go unnoticed by those who are not personally impacted. Individuals who traverse environments or systems without obstacles may fail to perceive the difficulties faced by marginalized communities. This unawareness enables systemic disparities to continue unopposed, highlighting the necessity for inclusive design methodologies that deliberately take into account and respond to the requirements of all users. In summary, the decisions made in design significantly influence societal equity. By recognizing and addressing the ways in which design can disadvantage specific groups, society can progress toward more inclusive and equitable frameworks.
The principles of Design Justice provide a transformative framework aimed at addressing systemic inequalities within design processes. Grounded in the values of equity and inclusion, these principles prioritize the voices of marginalized groups, promote participatory design, highlight the importance of accessibility, and advocate for sustainable practices. By redefining the conventional design paradigm, Design Justice aspires to create systems, environments, and products that equitably serve all members of society.
A fundamental aspect of Design Justice is the emphasis on centering the experiences and requirements of individuals who are often excluded from design decisions. The Design Justice Network asserts that this entails redistributing power within design processes to elevate the voices of marginalized communities. For instance, engaging individuals with disabilities in urban planning ensures that public spaces are both accessible and inclusive, while consulting historically underrepresented groups in digital design can help mitigate algorithmic biases. [1]
Participatory design represents another essential principle. This methodology encourages affected communities to actively engage in the design process, rather than merely receiving the outcomes. By fostering collaboration, participatory design empowers communities to develop solutions that resonate with their distinct perspectives and needs.
Sustainability is also a crucial component of Design Justice, advocating for environmentally responsible practices that do not exploit vulnerable communities or ecosystems. This principle aligns with the overarching objective of promoting both ecological and social well-being.
Lastly, accessibility is central to Design Justice. Whether in the creation of physical spaces or digital platforms, ensuring equitable access for all individuals—regardless of ability, language, or socioeconomic status—is of utmost importance. This commitment is exemplified in frameworks such as Sasha Costanza-Chock’s work, which connects Design Justice to collective liberation and systemic transformation. [4]
Inclusive design seeks to develop products and environments that are accessible to everyone, irrespective of their abilities or backgrounds. Numerous case studies illustrate the effective application of inclusive design principles, showcasing its potential for transformation.
A prominent example is the Xbox Adaptive Controller created by Microsoft. Acknowledging the varied needs of gamers with limited mobility, Microsoft partnered with organizations like AbleGamers and Warfighter Engaged to create a controller that caters to different physical capabilities. The outcome is a customizable device that enables a wider audience to participate in gaming, exemplifying how inclusive design can eliminate barriers within the digital entertainment sector. [5]
Another important instance is the renovation of Blackfriars Station in London. This project integrated inclusive design elements such as step-free access, tactile paving for individuals with visual impairments, and clear signage. These improvements not only adhere to accessibility standards but also enhance the overall experience for all travelers, establishing a standard for public transportation systems. [6]
In the digital content sphere, the radio program This American Life has started offering transcripts for its episodes, thereby making the content accessible to those with hearing impairments and individuals who prefer reading to listening. This initiative illustrates how media organizations can implement inclusive practices to engage a broader audience. [7]
These case studies underscore the tangible advantages of inclusive design, demonstrating how considerate, user-focused strategies can result in products and environments that effectively serve a diverse population. By emphasizing inclusivity, designers can develop solutions that not only fulfill regulatory standards but also improve the quality of life for all users.
The evident benefits of inclusive design are often overshadowed by various challenges that impede its broader implementation. A significant barrier is the insufficient awareness and comprehension among designers and stakeholders regarding the critical nature of inclusivity. Many professionals may lack a full understanding of the diverse requirements of users, resulting in designs that unintentionally marginalize certain demographics. [8]
Another considerable challenge is the perception that adopting inclusive design entails higher costs and resource allocation. Organizations may hesitate to allocate funds for redesigning products or infrastructures to serve a wider audience, viewing such efforts as superfluous expenditures rather than as worthwhile investments.
Furthermore, the absence of regulatory frameworks and guidelines that enforce inclusive design practices leads to inconsistent application across different sectors. In the absence of established standards, designers may find it difficult to determine effective practices and benchmarks for inclusivity. [8]
To overcome these obstacles, it is essential to incorporate inclusive design principles into the educational programs for designers and architects, thereby nurturing a culture of empathy and user-centered thinking from the beginning. Additionally, organizations should acknowledge the long-term advantages of inclusive design, such as expanded market reach and enhanced user satisfaction, which can surpass the initial costs of implementation.
Policymakers also have a crucial role in advancing inclusivity by creating and enforcing standards that guarantee accessibility and equity in design. Collaborative initiatives among governments, industry leaders, and advocacy organizations can facilitate the establishment of comprehensive guidelines that promote systemic change. [8]
In summary, although obstacles to inclusive design remain, a dedicated approach to education, investment, and regulation can facilitate the development of more equitable and accessible spaces. Adopting inclusive design transcends legal requirements; it is a moral obligation aimed at fostering a society that honors and appreciates the diversity of all its constituents.
Design justice plays a crucial role in cultivating a more equitable society by ensuring that design processes and outcomes do not reinforce existing disparities but instead foster inclusivity and fairness. By prioritizing the needs and perspectives of marginalized communities, design justice confronts traditional power structures and aims to create environments, products, and systems that equitably serve all individuals. [9]
Individuals are encouraged to critically evaluate the designs they encounter in their daily lives, recognizing how certain features may exclude or disadvantage particular groups. For example, urban areas that lack wheelchair accessibility or digital platforms that are not accommodating for the visually impaired exemplify design decisions that overlook the diverse needs of all users. By becoming aware of these challenges, individuals can advocate for more inclusive designs within their communities and workplaces. [10]
Designers, businesses, and communities are called upon to adopt justice-centered design by implementing inclusive design principles and actively engaging marginalized groups in the design process. This collaborative approach ensures that the resulting designs effectively address the real needs and challenges faced by these communities, leading to more impactful and equitable solutions. [11]
In summary, embracing design justice is vital for establishing a society where all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources. By reflecting on current designs and advocating for inclusive practices, everyone can play a role in fostering a more just and equitable world.
Transformative justice is a spectrum of social, economic, legal, and political practices and philosophies that aim to focus on the structures and underlying conditions that perpetuate harm and injustice. Taking up and expanding on the goals of restorative justice such as individual/community accountability, reparation, and non-retributive responses to harm, transformative justice imagines and puts into practice alternatives to the formal, state-based criminal justice system.
Public finance refers to the monetary resources available to governments and also to the study of finance within government and role of the government in the economy. As a subject of study, it is the branch of economics which assesses the government revenue and government expenditure of the public authorities and the adjustment of one or the other to achieve desirable effects and avoid undesirable ones. The purview of public finance is considered to be threefold, consisting of governmental effects on:
Accessibility is the design of products, devices, services, vehicles, or environments so as to be usable by people with disabilities. The concept of accessible design and practice of accessible developments ensures both "direct access" and "indirect access" meaning compatibility with a person's assistive technology.
Participatory design is an approach to design attempting to actively involve all stakeholders in the design process to help ensure the result meets their needs and is usable. Participatory design is an approach which is focused on processes and procedures of design and is not a design style. The term is used in a variety of fields e.g. software design, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, product design, sustainability, graphic design, industrial design, planning, and health services development as a way of creating environments that are more responsive and appropriate to their inhabitants' and users' cultural, emotional, spiritual and practical needs. It is also one approach to placemaking.
Universal design is the design of buildings, products or environments to make them accessible to people, regardless of age, disability, or other factors. It emerged as a rights-based, anti-discrimination measure, which seeks to create design for all abilities. Evaluating material and structures that can be utilized by all. It addresses common barriers to participation by creating things that can be used by the maximum number of people possible. “When disabling mechanisms are to be replaced with mechanisms for inclusion, different kinds of knowledge are relevant for different purposes. As a practical strategy for inclusion, Universal Design involves dilemmas and often difficult priorities.” Curb cuts or sidewalk ramps, which are essential for people in wheelchairs but also used by all, are a common example of universal design.
Equity, or economic equality, is the construct, concept or idea of fairness in economics and justice in the distribution of wealth, resources, and taxation within a society. Equity is closely tied to taxation policies, welfare economics, and the discussions of public finance, influencing how resources are allocated among different segments of the population.
Inclusive design is a design process in which a product, service, or environment is designed to be usable for as many people as possible, particularly groups who are traditionally excluded from being able to use an interface or navigate an environment. Its focus is on fulfilling as many user needs as possible, not just as many users as possible. Historically, inclusive design has been linked to designing for people with physical disabilities, and accessibility is one of the key outcomes of inclusive design. However, rather than focusing on designing for disabilities, inclusive design is a methodology that considers many aspects of human diversity that could affect a person's ability to use a product, service, or environment, such as ability, language, culture, gender, and age. The Inclusive Design Research Center reframes disability as a mismatch between the needs of a user and the design of a product or system, emphasizing that disability can be experienced by any user. With this framing, it becomes clear that inclusive design is not limited to interfaces or technologies, but may also be applied to the design of policies and infrastructure.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework based on research in the learning theory, including cognitive neuroscience, that guides the development of flexible learning environments and learning spaces that can accommodate individual learning differences.
Social exclusion or social marginalisation is the social disadvantage and relegation to the fringe of society. It is a term that has been used widely in Europe and was first used in France in the late 20th century. In the EU context, the European Commission defines it as "a situation whereby a person is prevented from contributing to and benefiting from economic and social progress". It is used across disciplines including education, sociology, psychology, healthcare, politics and economics.
Inclusion in education refers to including all students to equal access to equal opportunities of education and learning, and is distinct from educational equality or educational equity. It arose in the context of special education with an individualized education program or 504 plan, and is built on the notion that it is more effective for students with special needs to have the said mixed experience for them to be more successful in social interactions leading to further success in life. The philosophy behind the implementation of the inclusion model does not prioritize, but still provides for the utilization of special classrooms and special schools for the education of students with disabilities. Inclusive education models are brought into force by educational administrators with the intention of moving away from seclusion models of special education to the fullest extent practical, the idea being that it is to the social benefit of general education students and special education students alike, with the more able students serving as peer models and those less able serving as motivation for general education students to learn empathy.
Inclusion, in relation to persons with disabilities, is defined as including individuals with disabilities in everyday activities and ensuring they have access to resources and opportunities in ways that are similar to their non-disabled peers. Disability rights advocates define true inclusion as results-oriented, rather than focused merely on encouragement. To this end, communities, businesses, and other groups and organizations are considered inclusive if people with disabilities do not face barriers to participation and have equal access to opportunities and resources.
Accessible tourism is the ongoing endeavor to ensure tourist destinations, products, and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical or intellectual limitations, disabilities or age. It encompasses publicly and privately owned and operated tourist locations. The goal of accessible tourism is to create inclusivity of all including those traveling with children, people with disabilities, as well as seniors. This allows those with access requirements to be able to function as an independent using products following the universal design principle, a variety of services, and different environments.
Social equity is concerned with justice and fairness of social policy based on the principle of substantive equality. Since the 1960s, the concept of social equity has been used in a variety of institutional contexts, including education and public administration.
Universal instructional design (UID) or universal design for instruction (UDI) is an educational framework for applying universal design principles to learning environments with a goal toward greater accessibility for all students, including students with disabilities. UDI involves considering the potential needs of all learners when designing and delivering instruction by identifying and eliminating unnecessary barriers to teaching and learning while maintaining academic rigor. UDI is thus proactive and benefits all students, in contrast to providing accommodations for a specific student.
Design for All in the context of information and communications technology (ICT) is the conscious and systematic effort to proactively apply principles, methods and tools to promote universal design in computer-related technologies, including Internet-based technologies, thus avoiding the need for a posteriori adaptations, or specialised design.
Socio-economic mobility in Canada refers to the movement of Canadians from one social class or economic level to another, The data shows an increase in intergenerational social mobility, however it is argued that such trends have remained stable since the 1990s.
Social justice educational leadership emphasizes the belief that all students can and will reach proficiency, without exceptions or excuses, and that schools ought to be organized to advance the equitable learning of all students. Rather than focusing on one group of students who traditionally struggle, or who traditionally succeed, social justice leaders address the learning needs of all students. Social justice educational leadership specifically addresses how differences in race, income, language, ability, gender, and sexual orientation influence the design and effectiveness of learning environments. Social justice leadership draws from inclusive education practices from disability education, but extends the concepts further to support students from diverse groups with a wide range of needs. Through restructuring staff allocation and assessing student progress through disaggregated data, school leaders strive to create schools with equal access and equitable support for all students.
Accessibility apps are mobile apps that increase the accessibility of a device or technology for individuals with disabilities. Applications, also known as, application software, are programs that are designed for end users to be able to perform specific tasks. There are many different types of apps, some examples include, word processors, web browsers, media players, console games, photo editors, accounting applications and flight simulators. Accessibility generally refers to the design of products and environments to be usable by people with disabilities. Accessibility apps can also include making a current version of software or hardware more accessible by adding features. Accessibility apps aim to reduce barriers to technological goods and services, making them more usable for various groups within society. A basic example is that a person who experiences vision impairments is able to access technology through enabling voice recognition and text-to-speech software.
Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) is a term adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It refers to Article 6 of the Convention's original text (1992), focusing on six priority areas: education, training, public awareness, public participation, public access to information, and international cooperation on these issues. The implementation of all six areas has been identified as the pivotal factor for everyone to understand and participate in solving the complex challenges presented by climate change. The importance of ACE is reflected in other international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals ; the Global Action Programme for Education for Sustainable Development ; the Aarhus Convention (2011); the Escazú Agreement (2018) and the Bali Guidelines (2010).
Intersectional solidarity involves the collaborative efforts and mutual support of individuals and groups facing intersecting forms of marginalization and oppression. This approach highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the interconnections between various social identities, such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and ability. By recognizing these intersections, intersectional solidarity seeks to foster unity and collaborative action that is inclusive and fair, thereby supporting a holistic approach to social justice movements.