Design Thinking: A Framework For Promoting Inclusion and Minimizing Bias

Design thinking is a non-linear, iterative framework used to understand users, challenge assumptions, and define problems. This human-centered approach to creative problem-solving can transform organizations’ development of products, services, and experiences. With its signature traits of being user-centered, problem-oriented, and seeking out-of-box solutions and breakthroughs, design thinking can offer an effective tool to grapple with quick change and complex problems. Design thinking can also advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts by being more strategic and human-centric. It is a framework that can be incorporated into a project to achieve DEI objectives and minimize biases in design. Design thinking starts with empathy, and the core of DEI work is people.

To create value through the DEI effort, we must have an in-depth understanding of the experiences and needs of our diverse stakeholders. By using design thinking, organizations can challenge assumptions and redefine ways of working to solve problems effectively. Here are ways design thinking can help achieve DEI objectives:

• Inclusion of diverse perspectives: To create inclusive products or experiences, design teams must reflect the user groups they are designing for. This approach is a critical foundation for effective human-centered design. Design teams should also solicit feedback from diverse populations to elicit different perspectives and ideas.

• Fostering a culture of inclusion: Design thinking can be challenging. To do it effectively, you need an inclusive environment where everyone can feel safe and share freely. A sense of psychological safety is necessary for design thinking to succeed.

• Testing for bias: Designers should test for bias by considering how different groups experience the solutions they create. This can be done through user testing and feedback from diverse populations, enabling a recalibration of design decisions to meet users’ needs.

In conclusion, design thinking can be a powerful tool to achieve DEI objectives and minimize biases when developing products and experiences. By incorporating design thinking into the process, teams can create more innovative and inclusive solutions that meet the needs of diverse user groups. Design thinking enables us to challenge assumptions, seek diverse perspectives, use data to inform decision-making, and test for bias. These practices help teams create an inclusive environment where everyone can freely share and allow their unique perspectives to drive innovation and solution design.

Inspiration & Further Reading

Chang, Felix. (2020, October 19). To Build More-Inclusive Technology, Change Your Design Process. Harvard Business Review.

Heazlewood, Jane. (2017, April 12). Combatting unconscious bias in design. UX Collective.

Herman, Brent. (2022, March 10). Why & how design thinking drives the DE&I agenda forward. Hanover Research.