In an increasingly interconnected world, technology connects humanity like never before, but also creates cultural barriers and biases. To build a more inclusive and equitable society, we must actively seek to understand and respect diverse perspectives.
We, as designers, cannot continue to design products that ignore the intricacies of the consumer but must realise that the way an individual perceives the world will vastly differ from another and acknowledge and embrace this diversity.
It is way too easy to fall into the trap of designing purely from our own limited perspectives. We must be willing to take strides outside of our comfort zones and learn about the cultures, values, and beliefs of others. Through interactions with peers from different backgrounds and cultures, we can better understand their diverse perspectives and needs that exist in our world [1][3].
From my perspective, intercultural design is not just about creating products that look different or have functionalities tailored to accommodate a variety of cultures, but it is about designing with a genuine appreciation for the diversity of human experiences. By placing social and cultural awareness at the forefront of the design process, we can create products that better cater to the needs of all users, not just a select few.
As we continue to design for a global audience, it is important to recognise that our individual cultural backgrounds will inadvertently shape our design thinking. We must be mindful of our biases and strive to design with greater cultural awareness and sensitivity [2]. By doing so, we can develop products that can bring people together and bridge cultural divides, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and inclusive society
[1] Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., & Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind: Intercultural Cooperation and Its Importance for Survival (3rd edition). McGraw-Hill Education.
[2] Raiffa, J. S. H. R. L. K. A. H. (2021, 31 August). The Hidden Traps in Decision Making. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/1998/09/the-hidden-traps-in-decision-making-2
[3] Rio, A. (2021, 23 June). Managing cultural diversity in today’s workplace. Chief Learning Officer – CLO Media. https://www.chieflearningofficer.com/2021/06/29/managing-cultural-diversity-in-todays-workplace/
Growing up in a multicultural environment, I have had the opportunity to experience different perspectives and ways of life, which has broadened my understanding of cultural diversity. This understanding influences my design process, as I strive to ensure that my designs are sensitive and inclusive of people from diverse backgrounds.
My focus has shifted towards understanding how different cultural backgrounds, values, and traditions can influence the way people perceive design and how they interact with products. My passion now heavily revolves around creating designs that cater to the needs of diverse cultures and communities.
I prefer working in a multi-disciplinary context where I can collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and work towards a common goal. I find that this approach leads to more innovative and well-rounded design solutions that consider different perspectives.
In group projects, I often take on a collaborative and communicative role. I enjoy discussing ideas with my team members and working towards a shared vision. I believe that effective communication is key in ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that we can create a successful project together.
My design process now involves a heavier focus on cultural impact rather than mental health, which was a significant aspect of my previous identity. While I still believe that design can positively impact mental well-being, I now see cultural awareness as an equally essential aspect of design. I aim to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also relevant and meaningful to diverse cultural communities.