Listening to chapter 1 of “Mismatch” by Kat Holmes and already taking notes!
Early on she expresses foundational DEI concepts so well in the framework of inclusive design. As Dr. Lisa Toppin reminds me, social oppression and bias are “built not-to-see” – to address them, then, we must build our capacity to see in a new dimension.
I geek out on inclusive design. Perhaps because I’m a visual experiential learner, having a physical concept to anchor to helps “make real” the sometimes-squishy concepts surrounding inclusion. Kat’s book poses questions about the nature of our early interactions with the built world and how they shape “core elements” of our identity: When we are excluded by designs, how does that shape our sense of belonging? What psychological and emotional impact do we experience as we face the question, “are we insiders or outsiders?”
I remember using Snapchat years ago and my darker toned face wasn’t recognized by the cat-ear filter AI. As a left-handed person, I have a special disdain for unusable scissors and blame some of my sports awkwardness on being taught to use right-handed gloves, stances, and swings. These are small, nearly innocuous examples that demonstrate the ubiquity of design challenges for many. Write large, what are we saying about the value of others when they can’t access a job site, website, or classroom?
I’m curious – big or small – where have you been excluded by design?