You might have heard about Eurocentrism, Design Decolonization, Liberatory Design, Value Sensitive Design, Design Justice, Universal Design, and many other approaches that advocate and ask for more responsible and caring Design practices. Do we need more? Perhaps a more “radical approach”? One that calls for critical lines of inquiry and discussion? Accommodating different ways designers can facilitate and design complex intersections of knowledge, privilege, and the agency that are part of the creative industries? One thing is sure; we need to support participation and diversity in Innovation to nurture a more safe, prosperous and responsible environment to welcome these tensions and debates. In this workshop, Jane will ignite the discussion on complex questions on diversity, equality and care. She will present insights on how to validate, provide space, and negotiate diverse and challenging forms of knowledge and practice. As the ultimate goal, you will want to support the design community to create spaces for unlearning and dismantling systems of oppression. Jane will take you on a journey of renewing, regenerating and even preserving cultures and practices that will support the transitions to a healthier planet and society.

Jane Vita is PhD researcher and teaches Designing Services With Emerging Technology at Aalto University. She has experienced over 15 years of multidisciplinary and multicultural projects in various countries and industries. She believes every successful project, from strategic to incremental, has one thing in common: people with passion, open-mindedness, and good intent; willing to learn, discuss and test their assumptions.