Podcast: A Proactive Approach to Inclusive Design featuring Zariah Cameron
September 1, 2023Tune into this week’s episode on The Rosenfeld Review podcast featuring Zariah Cameron, who will be speaking at the DesignOps Summit in October. Zariah Cameron is Co-Director of Community + Research and the founder of AEI – Advocate, Educate, Innovate Black Design.
Many companies and corporations have good intentions when it comes to inclusive design. But too often that’s where things both start and stop. Zariah helps companies operationalize their inclusive design principles and ideals by looking at design from all angles and instilling effective processes.
When exploring ideals of equity and inclusivity, many confuse inclusivity with accessibility. Accessibility is a fine place to start, but it’s just the beginning. Accessibility tends to be passive while inclusivity is active. Inclusive design proactively seeks out the marginalized, the underserved, and minority groups. It doesn’t make assumptions but seeks input, feedback, and follow-through.
For many companies, the most effective way to pursue inclusive design is to work with grassroots organizations. Partnering with such organizations provides corporations access to a diverse pool of participants. It’s a process of co-creation and involves a long-haul-relationship mentality.
Zariah mentions a variety of organizations that design teams could partner with to access diverse talent:
- Creative Reaction Lab
- Pause and Effect
- Aroko Cooperative – seeking equity, liberation, community healing, and ecocentricy
Be sure to join us in October for Zariah’s session: Streamlining an Inclusive Design Practice
