WTM19 - Diverse representations in design and awkward conversations with colleagues by Eriol Fox

Design & UX often pushes people that need accessible & inclusive products of experiences out of scope. Covering real-life past examples of frustrations from projects that didn’t go well, ones that went well & how I work as much diversity and inclusivity into my work as I can possibly get away with.

https://youtu.be/WScGZ8y26bk

Transcript

1. Diversity in design. Content warnings: Misgendering, Ableism, Racism, Visual representations of Transgender people, LGBTQIA+ representation, Agesim. @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal Diversity in design
2. Diversity in design Hi, I’m Eriol. (Ehh-roll) Non-binary, Trans. (Regardless of what people may think I ‘look’ like) Designer. (many job titles…) They/Them/Their’s pronouns. Mx (instead of Mr/Mrs/Ms) Queer person. ‘Invisible’ disability/illness. (PTSD) Carer for parents/children @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
3. “Tools are never completely neutral and their settings reflect the cultural bias of the technicians that calibrate them.” Pg. 90 - Politics of Design by Ruben Pater Diversity in design @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
4. Helping people raise their voice and those who serve them to listen and respond better A tool to help other teams reach each other everyday and in a crisis. On any device. Diversity in design We were able to map all the health facilities in Kathmandu Valley before the earthquake, which will undoubtedly help the relief workers’ ability to deliver supplies and help save lives. @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
5. Diversity in design @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
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13. www.photoability.net www.africanstockphoto.com www.wocintechchat.com/blog/wocintechphotos www.techspark.co/shift-stock-gallery-2/ Diversity in design Recommended stock photography @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
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16. Make something usable, relevant and simple for anyone to use. Diversity in design @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
17. Fitness apps Diversity in design @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
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21. Diversity in design https://medium.com/@anna.sarai.rosenberg ‘Respectful Collection of Demographic Data’ @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
22. @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal Diversity in design
23. Edge-cases... Also known as: “We can’t please everybody” Diversity in design @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
24. Stress-cases Also known as: “The people that need our empathy and attention the most” Diversity in design @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
25. Two in five LGBT people (39 per cent) who identify as non-binary have experienced a hate crime Survey by the National Centre for Transgender Equality: Out of almost 28,000 respondents, more than a third chose “non-binary/genderqueer” Diversity in design @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
26. As designers, we are at the forefront of how products serve users, but also how the digital and physical world represents and reflects back at users... ...we have a responsibility to be inclusive, sensitive and understanding with what we design, and endeavour to help non-marginalised folk foster their acceptance and expose them to systems that include, rather than exclude. Diversity in design @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
27. I’d give myself a C+ for inclusion. Diversity in design Maybe a B if I’m feeling nice…. @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
28. Ask other people when it’s safe and encouraged to do so. Practice compassion. Diversity in design Talk about issues not just with marginalised people. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Question your words and assumptions. Think about why and where these come from. @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal
29. For those that can go a little further… Volunteer for or sponsor these: Diversity in design @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal A local Pride or LGBTQIA+ event or organisation A group that supports people with disabilities/impairments Groups and organisations that promote people of colour in technology
30. https://www.ellpha.com/ - Gender Balance through AI https://www.ons.gov.uk/census/censustransformationprogramme/consultations/ the2021censusinitialviewoncontentforenglandandwales - Gender Identity from UK Census http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/168336693365 - Pronoun tips for Binary Men and Women https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/less-than-or-equal/id890268267 - Less than or Equal a podcast geeks facing inequality in their industries Diversity in design @Erioldoesdesign #WomenTechmakers @WTM_Montreal