Nicole Commander

Improving society through design, one screen at a time

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5 ways designers can help support POC and make our industry more inclusive

1. Call out non inclusive language
Words may seem like such a small thing, but they matter. Words convey meaning, intention and attitude, and can be the difference between coming across as welcoming and inclusive, or just another organisation. Matt Auerbach has a decent list as shown in the tweet below, which could be used as a good starting point. You also may want to consider using https://alexjs.com/ if possible to catch non inclusive writing.

2. Support events that have POC speakers
Going to these events shows our support with our presence, and money. This is a very powerful way to show where we stand, and that we want to move forward not backward. If there are events that consistently don’t have diverse speakers, reach out to them. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to create change.

3. Don’t support AIGA or other similar organisations
George Aye recently wrote a very interesting article about AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts), and it seems that this organisation wants to look like they’re inclusive and support diversity without actually doing the real drastic changes that are required. If enough members withdraw their membership, that will send a clear message. Nothing speaks louder than taking your money elsewhere.

4. Follow a variety of designers
We all know the well established, older white designers. They’ve done lots of great work, but we need fresh blood, new ideas and different points of view. We’re only going to get that if we mix up who we follow and listen to. Check out the list below.

5. Don’t shut other designers down for speaking their mind on things that matter
Telling someone to stop tweeting about “non-UX things” is ridiculous. As designers we are truth seekers. We seek out the truth about how systems work, how processes are done, and how products and services are used. Speaking truth to power about injustice, I feel, fits perfectly with what we do. We’re currently living through a big part of history, and everyone should be able to speak out. Joe Natoli shouldn’t have to tweet what he did below. Don’t like it, don’t follow. Simple.

I hope these points have been useful. Please let me know if there is anything I should add to this list 👍

This article is also available on Medium and LinkedIn.