Resist Homogeny with Design Justice
“Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.”
- Robert H. Schuller
In an era where design permeates every facet of our lives—from the products we use to the systems that govern us—the concept of "design justice" emerges as a pivotal framework. This approach advocates for design processes that are inclusive, equitable, and centered on the experiences of marginalized communities. By reimagining traditional design paradigms, design justice seeks to rectify systemic inequalities and foster environments where all individuals can thrive.
Design justice is an approach that challenges the status quo by involving those most affected by design decisions in the creation process. It emphasizes participatory methods, ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups are not only heard but are integral to shaping outcomes. As articulated by the Design Justice Network, this methodology "rethinks design processes, centers people who are normally marginalized by design, and uses collaborative, creative practices to address the deepest challenges our communities face."
Several initiatives exemplify the principles of design justice:
Dark Matter University (DMU): Established in 2020, DMU is an anti-racist design justice school led by a collective of design educators across the United States. Their mission is to "radically transform education and practice toward a just future."
Designing Justice + Designing Spaces (DJDS): This organization focuses on addressing the root causes of mass incarceration through the built environment. By creating spaces that promote restorative justice and community building, DJDS exemplifies how design can be a tool for systemic change.
Designers hold significant power in shaping societal norms and structures. By adopting a justice-oriented lens, they can create solutions that are not only functional but also equitable. This involves questioning who benefits from a design and who might be inadvertently harmed. As Sasha Costanza-Chock, a prominent advocate for design justice, notes, "Design justice rethinks design processes, centers people who are normally marginalized by design, and uses collaborative, creative practices to address the deepest challenges our communities face."
While the principles of design justice are compelling, implementing them requires a shift in traditional design practices. It demands humility, a willingness to share power, and a commitment to continuous learning. Designers must be prepared to engage deeply with communities, understanding their histories, needs, and aspirations. This approach challenges the notion of the designer as the sole expert, instead positioning them as facilitators of collective wisdom.
As we confront global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and technological disruption, the need for inclusive and equitable design becomes ever more pressing. By embracing design justice, we can co-create solutions that honor the dignity and agency of all individuals, paving the way for a more just and sustainable future. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." By integrating justice into the very fabric of design, we take a crucial step toward a world where equity is not just an aspiration for marginalized groups, but a lived reality.
The future of justice design opens a wide range of possibilities for innovative, impactful careers. As this field grows, we can imagine a variety of justice design jobs emerging, integrating technology, social impact, and equity-focused problem-solving.
1. Restorative Justice Architects
Description: Design physical and virtual spaces that promote healing and reconciliation over punishment, such as community centers, virtual mediation platforms, or redesigned courtrooms.
Skills Needed: Architecture, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity.
Example: Architects working with organizations like Designing Justice + Designing Spaces to create restorative justice hubs.
2. Algorithmic Equity Auditors
Description: Assess and redesign algorithms and AI systems to ensure they are free from bias and promote equitable outcomes.
Skills Needed: Data science, ethics, and design thinking.
Example: Professionals ensuring AI hiring systems do not reinforce discriminatory practices.
3. Accessibility Innovators
Description: Create products, services, and environments that go beyond ADA compliance, fostering radical inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Skills Needed: Industrial design, universal design principles, and disability studies.
Example: Designing tactile interfaces for smart devices or universally accessible urban planning.
4. Community-Centered Policy Designers
Description: Collaborate with marginalized communities to co-design policies that are just and inclusive.
Skills Needed: Public policy, participatory design, and communication.
Example: Policy designers using human-centered design to revamp housing systems to eliminate homelessness.
5. Digital Reparations Strategists
Description: Develop frameworks and tools for addressing inequities created by technological advancements, such as data misuse or digital divides.
Skills Needed: Sociology, technology ethics, and systems design.
Example: Creating programs to provide free internet access to underserved areas or offering training to bridge tech literacy gaps.
6. Climate Justice Designers
Description: Address environmental challenges with solutions that prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities.
Skills Needed: Environmental science, sustainable design, and community engagement.
Example: Designing resilient housing for flood-prone regions or equitable renewable energy systems.
7. Participatory Urban Planners
Description: Develop cities and neighborhoods with input from historically excluded communities.
Skills Needed: Urban planning, participatory design methods, and social justice.
Example: Redesigning transportation systems to better serve low-income neighborhoods.
8. Justice-Centered Product Designers
Description: Build everyday products that reflect and support ethical production, sustainability, and equitable access.
Skills Needed: Industrial design, sustainable manufacturing, and social impact.
Example: Creating assistive technology at affordable prices or products designed to reduce environmental impact.
9. Cross-Cultural Media Producers
Description: Create films, games, and digital content that tell diverse stories and challenge stereotypes.
Skills Needed: Media production, cultural anthropology, and storytelling.
Example: Designing video games that explore themes of justice and community building.
10. Equity-Focused Data Visualization Experts
Description: Use design to make complex social issues visible and actionable through accessible, engaging data visualizations.
Skills Needed: Data analysis, graphic design, and storytelling.
Example: Visualizing the racial wealth gap or mapping community health disparities to drive policy changes.
11. Humanitarian Tech Designers
Description: Innovate tools and platforms to aid in crises, such as refugee resettlement systems or disaster response networks.
Skills Needed: Technology development, social impact design, and crisis management.
Example: Developing apps that connect displaced people with resources and support systems.
12. Intersectional Ethics Consultants
Description: Work with organizations to embed equity and justice into their design processes, from product development to marketing.
Skills Needed: Ethics, sociology, and consulting.
Example: Advising a tech company on creating inclusive features for a global user base.
13. Justice-Focused Educators
Description: Teach design principles centered on justice in schools, universities, and community workshops.
Skills Needed: Educational design, curriculum development, and cultural awareness.
Example: Leading workshops on design justice for young designers or tech workers.
14. Reparative Historians
Description: Use design to preserve and elevate marginalized histories, creating museums, exhibits, and digital archives.
Skills Needed: History, exhibit design, and storytelling.
Example: Designing interactive installations that explore the legacies of colonialism and slavery.
15. Justice-Centered AI Developers
Description: Build AI systems that prioritize fairness, explainability, and equity in decision-making processes.
Skills Needed: AI development, ethics, and participatory design.
Example: Developing AI to assist with equitable resource allocation during crises.
If you were to start a new career; what interests you the most? With the likely displacement of a number of jobs in our futures, it behooves us to consider which new roles we might want to embody and shape the future from.
