Willow Berzin

Trauma can show up in places we may not expect, and is not restricted to specific cohorts, topics or contexts. If you are interested to learn more about Trauma Informed Design Research? Come to my next 3 part training for AU/US time zones starting June 11 (AU) /June 10 (USA) or July 10 for AU/Europe/UK time zones. (Dates for August and September on the link too). If you are interested to read some personal reflections about my journey and interest in trauma-informed design practice and how I came to see that for me, trauma was not something out there, but something that was inside of me too click the article link in the comments. https://lnkd.in/gfR2e7EK 

27

5 Comments

Still buzzing from a wonderful conversation with the Master of Design Futures community at RMIT yesterday on Decolonizing Research and Design. I don't recall publicly sharing the story of Pause and Effect's emergence from Inclusive Design to Relational Design before - and it felt so liberating. It's the little self reminders that we are in a constant state of becoming, that frees me from feeling fixed in the way I define myself and our organization. Grateful to Leander Kreltszheim for initiating this discussion, and for being an incredibly thoughtful moderator. I am looking forward to sharing our work and this story with students in the Inclusive Design program at the University of Washington next week! --- Interested in hearing more from us? We've got two exciting learning experiences coming up: July 10 or 11: Deconstructing Coloniality in Design and Research Audre Lorde famously said, the "master's tools will never dismantle the master's house". If you're wondering what the master's tools are when it comes to design and research, this is your cue to join us. Sept to Oct: Reimagining Research This is a futures-focused 5 week community of practice, where we deconstruct the role of the researcher and reimagine it through liberatory framing. Learning is application based and hands on. Find out more below 👇🏾

52

4 Comments

Are you a designer wanting up to £80k for a people-centred and/or systemic project? One of the biggest barriers we have found to designers to design for planet is project funding and budgets. So here is a way to fund some of your self-created briefs!

142

5 Comments

In one of our Systems Design classes at Strategic Design Management, NID Naveen Kumar highlighted the importance of system boundaries shaped by diverse perspectives. He urged us to reflect on how multiple viewpoints generate different worldviews, ultimately influencing how we perceive and approach systems. Recently, as I’ve been diving deeper into applying research to create impact for diverse stakeholders, the challenges of applications of systemic thinking tried to seep in. Systemic thinking often begins from evidences of the present but it always ends at you creating evidences for the future. Your skills lie in materialising these larger systemic patterns into actionable touchpoints of your product/service.This illustration does highlight core systemic repatterning which can be leveraged while crafting future experiences

26

Inclusive design embraces diversity as fuel for innovation. It’s always been at the heart of Today’s design practice, but we probably don’t talk about it enough as “a thing”. So Damon O'Sullivan and I wrote a little book to explain what it is, why we think it matters, and what you can do to incorporate it into your initiatives. Some of the things we touch on… * What is inclusive design? * The myth of the “average” user and why diversity matters * The business case with concrete numbers and examples * Seven steps for approaching inclusive design Grab the PDF at https://lnkd.in/dP8uZy9K

42

13 Comments

Great blog from my colleague Colleen Jones! “The goal of universal design is to foster diversity and social inclusion by encouraging participation in society with a built environment that is adaptable to the human condition with its lifetime of changing needs and abilities.” Well said! #accessibility #universaldesign

6

3 Comments

To anyone/everyone who 1) Questions how we teach design or the relevance of the practice of design 🧠 2) Seeks to transfer power to people with lived experiences with care and humility ❤️ 3) Is challenging the widespread practise of designing FOR vulnerable or marginalised people. Instead considering how to design against oppression, through decolonial, participatory and design methods WITH groups. Groups whose vulnerablity or marginalisation are often caused by aspects of #colonisation #neoliberalism #capitalism 🛑 I would greatly recommend reading the article entitled ‘Towards a design methodology against oppression’ linked below. I found it extremely thought provoking and the Ciranda methodology ( please see image) to be a really tangible, flexible and critical approach to designing from a more decolonial perspective. As the authors share the Ciranda method is a work in motion and not meant to be universally applied toolkit. The article is just 14 pages, with a relatively large font compared to other academic papers :) don't just look at the image, please read the article to understand its context and relevance . https://lnkd.in/dr42VE6p Below I have provided one of my favourite quotes from the article Thank you so much for sharing Diana Albarran Gonzalez reminding me once again, we have so much to learn form design in the global majority (also known as the global south) #africa #latinamerica #indigenouscommunities ‘Common sense must be actively questioned since it ends up perpetuating systems of oppression as if they were "natural". To dismantle it, we must interrogate what we know to be “true” to distinguish a critical reading of reality from a naive one.’ #criticaldesign #participatorydesign #decolonialthinking Kirsten Scott PhD, FRSA, FHEA Cat Drew Amollo Ambole Tosh Juma Jessica Oddy PhD. Centering Equity in Design for Social Impact Krystina Castella

27

6 Comments

Shout out to Canberra design folks! Our next inclusive design meet up is on October 17. We're talking designing for neurodivergency and dyslexia. What are the things we need to consider? Where are the biggest gaps? What tools can we use? Come join in the conversation - https://lnkd.in/gwAURPYQ 

24

1 Comment

Designers in Victoria asked to free pitch* by Victorian Government Department: use this information to decline. It is not Victoria Government policy to ask designers to work for free. If you’re uncomfortable with the conversation, contact me or Greg; the Design Business Council are happy to advocate on your behalf. *Free pitching is when someone asks another to to work for free to prove they’re able to do what they say they can. It differs to proactive pitching (often perceived as entrepreneurial) because of the power balance. In free pitching, the potential client has all the power. It is not uncommon to ask many designers to pitch because ‘they will know it when they see it’. In proactive pitching the designer has the power to decide when and where they will invest their time speculatively. Websites, case studies and testimonials demonstrate capabilities. There is no reason a Government Department should require a designer to supply designs at no cost. It is a lazy method of procurement. (This article offers more info https://lnkd.in/g4mzEUCd)

55

10 Comments

🚨 **TARGET AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺- Product Recall Alert: Peter Rabbit Bunnysuit by Designworks International** 🚨 Attention parents and guardians! We are issuing an urgent recall for the Pink Peter Rabbit Newborn Unisex Faux Fur Bunnysuit due to potential safety hazards. 🐇 Product Description 🐇 The recall affects the Pink Peter Rabbit bunnysuit available at Targets stores across the country. 🪡 Reason for Recall: Loose threads inside the garment may entangle arms or legs, posing a risk. ⛑️ Hazard: Entanglement may cause a loss of circulation, leading to severe injury. 🙏 Action Required: If you own this product, please stop using it immediately and contact Designworks International customer service for further instructions. 🏪 Availability: These bunnysuits were sold exclusively at Target Australia stores. 🚨 Your child's safety is our top priority. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. #ProductRecall #SafetyFirst #DesignworksInternational #PeterRabbit #InfantSafety #ConsumerAlert #TargetAustralia #recalls #accc #retailindustry #apparelindustry #ecommerce #marketplaces #kidsafevictoria https://lnkd.in/gXJvKZqy

2

Budget 2024 I've had a few days to digest the main programs and initiatives announced in Tuesday's Federal Budget. As you might imagine, I'm particularly interested in the role Design can play and how it is used to deliver on these nation-shaping ideas. Let's look at two of the biggest areas in which Design will contribute. Housing Affordability The Government has announced a total of $11.3bn in funding for a number of initiatives targeting housing, with the aim of delivering an additional 1.2 million homes by 2030 (about 200,000 per year). There's clearly a role for architects, urban planners, transport planners and landscape architects in ensuring those 1.2 million homes are delivered in such a way that they're delivering on energy efficiency and sustainability goals; well-serviced by transport infrastructure - including cycling & walking paths - and other social amenities like parks, libraries, community facilities, biodiversity sanctuaries, food & beverage options and the like. We need to ensure we're not producing heat island, food desert monocultural suburbia. Design is also needed in ensuring local councils are prepared to deliver services to the increased populations - wherever those might be - in effective ways. (There was story just last week about a new housing development that is unable to have its waste removed by council.) At a more Strategic Design level, we need to be consciously thinking about the choice of location for new housing; the availability of trained tradespeople; the opportunity for these initiatives to kick-start local TAFE education, apprenticeships, and trades. And to consider the availability of construction materials; and the flow-on impacts on other industries. Future Made in Australia This program is a collection of initiatives all aimed at delivering an enhanced manufacturing and critical metals capability for Australia. In particular, to position Australia to capitalise on the transition to low- and zero-carbon economies, with a much higher utilisation of renewable energy. Clearly - at least to me - a future made in Australia should also be designed in Australia (and owned by Australian companies) so that as much of the value created across the supply chain is retained in this country, and contributing to our national prosperity. We have a world-class Design capability in Australia, and it needs to be encouraged and utilised as part of these programs. In particular, we need to ensure that the things being funded through this program are aligned with the goals of Australia's Circular Economy policy framework, to ensure we're supporting a Future we want to be seeing. This includes very stringent environmental protections on critical mineral mining and processing; close cooperation with traditional landowners to protect cultural heritage and share in wealth creation; and a real focus on designing for repair and durability. More to come! #strategicdesign Australian Design Council

18

1 Comment

Did you miss it? On #BraveUX last week, Doreen Lorenzo shared how to lead creative people well 🎈, what it takes to create innovative products 🚀, and why she’s redefining design education 🧑‍🏫. Highlights include: ⭐ Has design education become too expensive and elitist? ⭐ Why did you leave Catholic school for a local public school?  ⭐ How did you navigate the needs of frog’s shareholders and its staff? ⭐ Why did you occasionally draw out interviews when hiring people? ⭐ How do we ensure design remains a respected craft-based profession? Plus much more! - - - - - 📺 Watch the episode here - https://lnkd.in/gqATKaPz Subscribe and listen to Brave UX on... 🎧 Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3rzixVc 🎧 Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3q47pPA 🎧 iHeart Radio - https://lnkd.in/gMFH8AaR 🎧 TuneIn + Alexa - https://bit.ly/3jAVkz7 🎧 Stitcher - https://bit.ly/3ezPSw0 - - - - - Who is Doreen Lorenzo? Doreen is the Assistant Dean of the School of Design and Creative Technologies, and the Founding Director of the Center for Integrated Design 🖥️, both at the University of Texas. Through these roles, she's helping to prepare the next generation of designers. Before joining UT, Doreen had a storied career as an executive leader in global design firms, most notably at Frog Design 🐸, which she joined in 1997 as President of Digital. By 2004 Doreen had become President of Frog Worldwide and during her tenure, the company evolved from a 50-person design boutique, to one of the world's leading global product strategy and design firms, with over 1,100 staff and a high-profile array of Fortune 500 clients 📈. Doreen writes a column for Fast Company’s Co.Design, where she profiles a diverse mix of world-class women. Additionally, she regularly speaks at industry conferences and private events, and has been featured in ABC News, Bloomberg, Fast Company, Fortune, The New York Times, and many other media outlets 🦉. - - - - - Don’t forget to check out the show notes on YouTube for quick-access to interview chapters, as well as where to find Doreen. #DesignLeadership #CreativeLeadership #UXDesign #ServiceDesign #UX #Innovation #WomenInDesign #PodcastInterview

4

Squishy stuff. The intangibles. Feelings. How do they live in our organisations? Our economy? Capitalism, Communities, and the Future of Work An article from Miki Kashtan (linked in comments) got me thinking about the tension between capitalism's focus on profit and the need for strong, supportive communities. Growth vs. Wellbeing: Can we reconcile capitalism's relentless growth model with the needs of our communities and environment? Competition vs. Collaboration: Does competition in the workplace foster innovation, or does it ultimately hinder the creation of supportive networks? Profit vs. Purpose: Is it possible to create a business environment that prioritizes both financial success and employee well-being? So I'm left thinking - Is a System Shift Needed? Is it even possible? If the core principles of capitalism are incompatible with building strong communities and a purpose*-driven workforce. **Help me out with this existential question (ironically on linkedin where we're all excited to share geting more and more) **What do you think? Can we reform or do we need a fundamental shift? Are there examples of people, organisations, communities that are exploring a balance? #schooloffeels #organisationchange #culture #doescapitalismeatcultureforbreakfast #communitiesforthewin #workplacelife #collaboration #futureofwork

2

3 Comments

Will I ever stop talking about the business value of design? NEVER. Designers are under selling themselves if they don't know how to connect the dots. It only took me first half of my career working directly with founders to build business through different stages, plus 7 years to build my own side hustle from nearly drain out my life savings to turning over multi six figures to figured out:👇 Designers absolutely need to know more than design to succeed in the business eco system. so where do you even start? All will be revealed in this session. Warning: this talk will be filled with relationship analogies. come for a laugh 😂 ✌️🌈🚀 #businessdesign #designcareer #productdesign #uxdesign

44

Next week. I'm talking about disconnection of business and design Atlassian Sydney. Looking forward to share few nuggets about getting these two to talk to each other. Thank you for the crew behind the scene Kevin Wilkins, Lydia Bradshaw, Sylvia Luk, Ashlee King, Sarah Stokes, Tim Dixon, PhD, Timothy Parker for organising. Reminder for everyone, I also run a half day in bootcamp on 21st JUNE in Sydney on - Mastering Business Acumen for Designers. Link in comment. 💬🔗 #businessdesigner #productdesigner #productstrategy

19

1 Comment

☀️ Summer is just about here, and we have some great episodes coming ahead. Today, PJ Onori and I talk about starting to say NO to more things as we mature our systems. We’ve spoken at length about ensuring we map all work back to business goals of the org, but on this ep we use examples of contributions as something that can go wrong when not providing the same level of resourcing. There’s no shortcuts to doing good work. https://lnkd.in/gJpHkyAS #designsystems #productdesign #podcast

28

2 Comments

🚨 SERVICE DESIGNERS 🚨 Before the 2nd of September, complete this survey! Your responses will help ensure that Strategic Design, Service Design, and related disciplines are properly recognised in the updated ANZSCO classification #servicedesign #design #strategicdesign #strategy #systemsdesign

2