Inclusive Design Communities

What does it mean to be a member of a community? And how do we ensure that our communities-from classrooms to workplaces to meetups-are welcoming to all who want to be a part of them?

Sameera Kapila answers those questions and more by examining how our identities intersect with our design practices. Whether you're a student, educator, practicing designer, manager, recruiter, mentor, or organizer, you'll learn to notice subconscious bias, interrogate your values, and actively create welcoming spaces for all. Inclusive Design Communities will empower you to build the design industry you want to see-the one we all deserve.

THIS BOOK EXPLORES:

• Inclusivity practices within the design industry
• Strategies to address bias and disrupt exclusive systems
• How to transform design curricula and classroom environments
• Steps for developing equitable hiring and retention practices
• Creating thoughtful conferences and community meeting spaces

Sameera Kapila is a designer, educator, leader, and Third Culture Kid. Born in India and raised on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, Sameera's experience-having held roles in agencies, educational institutions, and consultancies ranging from individual contributor to executive leadership, student to educator, and everything in between-influences and powers her to analyze design holistically, identifying gaps and advocating for solutions. She writes and speaks about web and product design, inclusion and equity, tech education, and design research and process. She has written regularly for The Pastry Box Project and net Magazine and has spoken at Creative Mornings, SXSW's HBCU track, Design/Content, and Clarity. She also serves on multiple advisory boards in design organizations and educational institutions. She works as the Senior Manager of Design and Research at Netlify.