The Real Truth Behind Inclusivity.

A collection of thoughts I had after class: to become an inclusive designer, there's a deeper shift in mentality that must occur, and it's not easy.

Photo by Callum Skelton on Unsplash

• Reflecting on past experiences and seeing them through a new lens

I think back on life, and how I have handled certain situations, and how other "decision-makers" around me have handled tough situations, and I recognize the deep patterns that exist in society. They are integrated into cultural norms, education systems, etc. There are fundamental schools of thought that play into decision making on many levels across several different sectors.

• e.g., how we’ve missed the mark with inclusion in the past

Looking back at systems and programs that were marketing "inclusion", or claiming to be implementing inclusive systems, but actually weren't inclusive at all. What are the side effects of mislabeling inclusion and inclusive systems?

• Exercising humility, learning to be a “learner” not a “knower”

My MANTRA for this program. I have deeply relied upon a sense of knowing, a sense of truth and absolute. My problem solving approaches and understanding of the deeper complexities of decision making, especially when designing for vulnerable communities. I need to approach situations and people with a sense of curiosity, listening to their stories, being a learner.

• Question everything!

Question everything, assume nothing. No matter how inclusive you think you are, question everything. Don't assume to know anything about another person's experiences. But not just asking any questions, it's also about asking the right questions. Truly giving others an opportunity to share their insights, without driving the conversation.

• Remain compassionate toward others and yourself because you will make mistakes in this process; lead with compassion

I mostly say this towards myself. I feel so strongly about this work, about inclusive and equity and social justice. I take it pretty hard when I feel as thought I've made a "mistake." Between imposter syndrome, and my perfectionism, it's like an internal guilt waterboarding session on myself. I must lead with compassion, with myself and others.

• Be curious, funnel your curiosity into creating better systems

Once again Sabrina, DON'T BE A KNOW-IT-ALL! You don't always have to have an answer or an opinion. You can just show up authentically and curiously. Use your passion and curiosity as fuel to creating better systems, implementing change.

• Value your community

I'm looking around at my colleagues in the classroom and online. We are all here for the same reasons, with the same passion. To try to make a small difference in the world through our careers. We show up here every Thursday evening and continue to ask questions, to experiment, brain storm, draft, pivot, try again, fail, start over, give and receive feedback. This community of inclusive designers that I am apart of are the key to creating equitable systems, to creating change. Lean into this community, give and receive, learn and celebrate.

• Communication/listening is critical to co-design; move away from assumptions and allow others to tell you about design problems

Circling back once again to being a learner and not a knower. I am eager to help those around me, so many times I assume something is an issue for someone and automatically try and "fix" it. That's not being inclusive Sabrina. Pause and listen. Observe. Ask questions. Let the communities share their stories and identify their issues (if there are any).

• A shift from quantitative/strategic/calculative to open-minded thinking, a new perspective

Oh this one is a doozy. I have studied intensely for a decade in the field of hard sciences: biology, chemistry, physics, etc. There are laws and theories, and universally accepted truths that you learn to apply rigidly across the board. Even when you are being "experimental" there are concrete systems and rules and dialogue one must follow. Statistical relevance, efficiency, legitimacy and proof were the foundations of my mental hard drive. Being open-minded, questioning everything, and embracing the dynamics of human nature. The shift from quantitative to qualitative and finding the balance requires deep reflection on my behalf.

• Exposure to new communities/issues will help us fill in the gaps

When designing our washroom, I realized how much I don't know about the experiences of other groups of people. Seems like an obvious thing to say, but recognizing the vast affordances of a washroom made me realize the vast affordances of any design. Being that I am entering into this program without any formal design background, several of these foundational theories I am learning are really mind-opening to me. I am eager to further explore different diverse and marginalized communities with these new skill sets.

• Embrace the uncertainty and allow yourself to be comfortable with it

In addition to my imposter-syndrome and perfectionism, I don't like being in situations where I am uncertain. I rely upon logic and certainty to navigate the world, but I am realizing how limiting this is. I strive to embrace uncertainty and hopefully over time, become more comfortable in the uncertainty.

• Continue to be vulnerable

This here is the KEY (in my opinion). Being vulnerable means standing firm in the discomfort, allowing yourself to be curious and ask questions, giving yourself the permission to be "wrong", the courage to pivot and try again, to continuously show up compassionately. Sure, maybe these aren't the typical things that are discussed about when designing, but on my journey towards becoming an inclusive designer, these are the lessons I am learning.