Design Can is a non-profit campaign, community and resource platform calling for the design industry to be representative of the world it serves. We connect individuals and organisations who are looking to be more inclusive.
Since 2019, we have built an audience of over 10,000 creative people from currently underrepresented backgrounds, brought about 90 mentoring relationships, trained 40 industry leaders in inclusive behaviours, and worked with major brands and institutions including Wellcome Collection, V&A, Design Museum, Kickstarter and Hem, diversifying their ecosystem and creating partnerships for impact.
Manifesto
Design Can: be representative of the world it serves.
Design Can: be an industry for people of all backgrounds, abilities, ages and identities.
Design Can: be stronger with the talent that has been ignored for too long.
Design Can: disrupt the status quo, celebrate new voices and tell untold stories.
Design Can: represent us all.
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An industry that fails to reflect the people it serves will quickly become irrelevant. How can we meet the needs of users with a blinkered perspective? How can we inspire the next generation of designers without role models to represent them? How can design continue to be a source of world-changing ideas?
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We’re calling on designers, curators, editors, writers, filmmakers, event organisers – everyone who influences the design industry – to be allies. It’s time for the design community to confront its prejudices and eliminate discrimination.
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We are challenging you to champion underrepresented talent, commission outside the same old networks and hire for fresh perspectives. At times, you may need to stand aside.
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Most of all, we want you to listen to those who have been overlooked.