Belonging in design. Michelle Ou (she/her) 

Takeaways: Reflect on your own sense of belonging and how we can collectively support each other to feel welcome in the industry. How I found my place as a designer 

not belonging feeling out of place, different, uncomfortable and insecure 

belonging feeling safe; knowing that it doesn’t matter that you’re different because your uniqueness makes you valuable 

customer service optometry technology consulting design My career journey 

I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not good enough. 

I'm not professional enough. I'm not extraverted enough. I'm not qualified enough. Negative self talk 

Seeds of self doubt from internalising norms and biases. 

Have you ever felt like you needed to be something other than yourself to fit in and succeed as a designer? 

Have you ever felt like you needed to be something other than yourself to fit in and succeed as a designer? You're not alone. 

My differences were actually my unique selling point. 

I sought mentorship from designers whose stories resonated with me. 

I shone because others generously lit my candle with theirs. 

Unpack the negative self talk. Celebrate uniqueness. Uplift each other. 1. 2. 3. How I found my sense of belonging 

Thank you