Equitable Design Solutions

How to design equitable digital health tools. A narrative review of design tactics, case studies and opportunities This paper, by Amy Bucher and colleagues published in PLOS Digital Health last month made it to the top of my ‘to read’ pile. I’m glad I gave it my attention and am now recommending it to my #digitalhealth connections. It focuses on the need to consciously, explicitly, intentionally design digital health tools that promote health equity—ensuring fair access to healthcare for everyone, particularly underserved populations. Equitable innovations won't just happen magically. The paper sets itself up as a guide for digital health ‘practitioners’ (the authors term for anyone developing a digital health tool - including academics, industry organisations, designers, behavioural scientists and others). It reviews several health equity frameworks that help identify the important equity factors to consider when designing health tools. It covers some specific design approaches to help integrate equity into digital health product development: ⭐ Double Diamond Model – A framework for problem-solving that emphasizes understanding user needs and creating effective solutions. ⭐IDEAS Framework – A toolkit that provides structured methods for design with a behaviour change and equity lens. ⭐Community Collaboration methods – Approaches like participatory design, where input is gathered directly from or with underserved communities. Several case studies are included to show how these methods can be used in practice, depending on factors like available resources, project budget, and the stage of development.  There’s also a really important argument about designing for implementation and dissemination ‘in the wild’. While reading this article I kept thinking this content would lend itself to a webinar/masterclass for ‘practitioners’.  There’s fourteen authors so hopefully some of them have some plans for disseminating the ideas further in an interactive format. Or maybe they already have? 📑 Citation: Bucher A, Chaudhry BM, Davis JW, Lawrence K, Panza E, Baqer M, et al. (2024) How to design equitable digital health tools: A narrative review of design tactics, case studies, and opportunities. PLOS Digital Health 3(8): e0000591. https://lnkd.in/eFWkee_R

Lyft knew they had a problem. Only 5.6% of its users are over 65, and those users are 57% more likely to miss the ride they ordered. So, Lyft created Silver – a special app version for seniors. But why create a separate app when these improvements would benefit all users? The curb-cut effect is real. Features designed for wheelchair users ended up helping parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and delivery workers with carts. The features in Lyft's senior-friendly app wouldn't only benefit older riders: 💡The 1.4x larger font option? Great for bright sunlight, rough rides. 💡Simplified interface? Less cognitive load for all of us. 💡Live help operators? Great for anyone when there's a problem. 💡Select preference for easy entry/exit vehicles? Not everyone likes pickup trucks. What started as an accommodation should became a universal improvement. The most powerful insight? Designing for seniors forced Lyft to prioritize what truly matters: simplicity and ease of use. Will they leverage this for all their users? The next time someone suggests adding another button to your interface or feature to your product, consider this approach instead: sometimes the most innovative design is the one that works for everyone. Rather than creating separate "accessible" versions, what if we just built our core products to be usable by all? This is the paradox of inclusive design - what works better for some almost always works better for all. What "accessibility" feature have you encountered that actually made life better for all users? #UniversalDesign #ProductThinking #CustomerExperience

Bias in AI isn’t a “bug” to be fixed. It’s a mirror into who we already are. Every time an #AI system produces #bias — whether it’s rejecting job candidates with “ethnic” names, underdiagnosing women in medical studies, or assuming “CEO” means “white man in a suit” — it’s not the algorithm making things up. It's showing us what's broadly believed and valued. If we don’t actively design for a better world, we’re not just “letting it happen.” We’re choosing to scale it. So what do we do? ➡️ Stop treating “neutral” as the goal: Neutrality in a biased system is bias. ➡️ Demand transparency: If a company can’t explain how its AI works, why should we trust it? ➡️ Build with accountability: DEI and ethics teams shouldn’t just “weigh in”—they should have veto power. We don’t need AI that just reflects the world as it is. We need AI that corrects what's been broken for a long time. #EquitableDesign

The Soft Power of Good Design When we talk about affordable housing, design is often the first thing cut. Budgets get tight. Materials get downgraded. Architectural details disappear. The conversation quickly turns to efficiency, not experience. But here’s the truth: design isn’t just aesthetics, it’s communication. The way a building looks and feels sends a message to the people who live there, and to the community around it. It says: you matter, or it says you don’t. Design as a Measure of Respect I’ve walked through affordable housing communities where everything about the design, from the lighting to the landscaping, quietly tells residents they were an afterthought. Corridors that feel like tunnels. Harsh lighting. Cheap finishes that age badly within a year. Compare that to a well-designed affordable development, one with natural light, inviting entryways, and durable, human-scaled materials. The difference isn’t luxury. It’s respect. Good design says: "we care how you feel in this space." It recognizes that beauty and dignity aren’t extras, they’re essentials. Aesthetics as Equity People sometimes hear “design” and think “expensive.” But equitable design isn’t about adding cost, it’s about adding care. -Choosing materials that age gracefully instead of falling apart. -Adding natural light and ventilation to improve health and energy efficiency. -Designing communal areas that foster connection and pride. When design centers dignity, residents treat spaces differently. Maintenance improves. Turnover drops. Pride grows. Aesthetic quality becomes a form of social infrastructure, one that builds stability, not just shelter. The Invisible Impacts Design affects behavior in ways we rarely quantify. -A well-lit courtyard can make people feel safer walking home. -Windows overlooking the street increase eyes-on-the-block safety. -Shared outdoor spaces strengthen social ties. -Good acoustics and layouts reduce stress and conflict. We can’t measure these outcomes in square footage, but they shape how people experience community. Designing for Dignity, Not Just Delivery As developers, architects, and policymakers, we need to shift how we value design. We should ask: -Does this design uplift or stigmatize? -Does it age well? -Does it build community, or just check compliance boxes? Because every design choice, from paint color to porch depth, carries meaning. Affordable housing deserves design that communicates care, not compromise. Good design is soft power. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t demand. It quietly restores something that disinvestment once took away, dignity. What’s one design detail you’ve seen that made a space feel cared for, even on a budget?

Recommended reading! Again from Canada Placemaking is a powerful instrument for building stronger, more equitable communities that goes beyond physical design to create spaces that meet human needs, strengthen community bonds, promote economic and cultural exchange, and enhance wellbeing. Community Foundations of Canada | Fondations communautaires du Canada, Canadian Urban Institute with PlacemakingUS, Quartier des spectacles international, and Bridget MacIntosh, explores this concept thoroughly in their new report 'Place: let's talk about place making'," featuring insights from over 100 professionals worldwide. The report is edited by Jacquelyn West and is highly recommended: well-written, thoroughly documented, and attractively designed! The publication examines various forms of placemaking including digital (integrating technology for engagement), creative (using arts for transformation), queer (designing inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ communities), eco (promoting biodiversity and climate resilience), and placekeeping (preserving cultural assets, particularly for Indigenous and BIPOC communities). It also provides comprehensive analysis of Return on Investment across multiple domains: * Economic: Increased property values, commercial activity, tourism, and job creation (e.g., Quartier des Spectacles in Montréal generates $400M annually) * Social: Strengthened community bonds, reduced isolation, improved health outcomes, and enhanced civic engagement * Cultural: Increased cultural vibrancy, stronger place attachment, and preservation of local identity * Environmental: Greater urban resilience against climate change through green infrastructure and sustainable design The report emphasizes practical applications through collaborative models that balance top-down (government-led) and bottom-up (community-driven) approaches. It addresses challenges like gentrification while highlighting the importance of Indigenous perspectives in designing meaningful public spaces. Key practical recommendations include prioritizing data collection to measure impact, integrating interdisciplinary staff within municipal organizations, developing progressive policies, empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, and implementing technology solutions that enhance community involvement. COVID-19 revealed historical underinvestment in public spaces in disadvantaged communities, underscoring the need for equitable placemaking initiatives. This publication offers urban practitioners both theoretical frameworks and evidence-based strategies with actionable steps for community transformation. #Placemaking #UrbanDesign #PublicSpace #ROI #CommunityEngagement #Placekeeping #DigitalPlacemaking #CreativePlacemaking #QueerPlacemaking #EcoPlacemaking NHL Stenden Ruimtelijke Ontwikkeling

Did you know that curb ramps—originally designed for wheelchair users—also help parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and cyclists? This is the curb-cut effect: when we design for accessibility, we create solutions that improve life for everyone. What if the key to attracting and engaging employees lies in designing for accessibility? The curb-cut effect shows us that when we remove barriers for one group, we create a better experience for everyone. Think flexible work arrangements, clear communication, and supportive policies—they don’t just help some employees; they elevate the entire workplace. For any Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) advocates working at a human services agency, you can use the curb-cut effect and the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation's DEIB toolkit to improve belonging for you and your coworkers. Here are some ideas: Center Marginalized Voices when there are Issues – Actively include people with disabilities, People of Color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and other underrepresented groups in decision-making. Their insights lead to innovations that benefit broader communities. Flexible Work Design – Offer adaptable schedules, remote options, or modified duties to accommodate employees with disabilities, caregivers, or those managing health conditions. Flexibility reduces burnout and signals that you value work-life balance—a major draw for top talent. Inclusive Onboarding & Growth – Ensure training, mentorship, and career development are accessible to all. For example, provide materials in multiple formats (audio, visual, text) and create pathways for all employees to advance when people see growth opportunities tailored to their needs, engagement soars. Psychological Safety & Belonging – Foster a culture where employees feel safe to share their needs without fear of stigma. Regular check-ins, anonymous feedback channels, and affinity groups help employees thrive. A workplace where people feel heard and supported is a workplace where they stay. Heal Through Inclusion – Acknowledge historical inequities and design solutions that repair harm while creating systemic improvements. For example, trauma-informed principles benefit the people impacted and foster safer spaces for all employees. Even if an employee is not directly impacted, an organizational issue could influence their belonging at work. Reflection question: What’s one “curb-cut” change your organization could make to attract more talent and keep employees engaged? Check out the toolkit on the Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation’s website (https://lnkd.in/gUaSXnTY) and Drop your ideas in the comments or share this with a leader who’s building a more inclusive workplace! Image Source: https://lnkd.in/g-MB9He2

Want to build more engaging, impactful, and equitable assessments? Here's why co-creating 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 users is advantageous: ▶️ 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: When those who will be assessed are involved in the design process, the resulting assessments are more likely to align with real-world needs and objectives. This ensures that the assessments are meaningful and relevant to the evaluated individuals. ▶️ 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝘀: Co-creation fosters diverse perspectives, helping to identify and mitigate potential biases that might unintentionally disadvantage certain groups. ▶️ 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: When individuals feel a sense of ownership over the assessment process, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to participate. This can lead to increased buy-in and a greater sense of purpose in the assessment process. ▶️ 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Co-created assessments often yield more actionable data. By involving stakeholders in the design process, you can ensure that the data collected can be used effectively to inform improvements in decision-making. By embracing co-creation, we can move beyond traditional, top-down assessments and build more effective, equitable, and meaningful evaluation experiences. For a great application highlighting the benefits of co-designing a survey with Parkinson's patients, check out this paper by Thomas Morel, Karlin Schroeder, Sophie Cleanthous, PhD, CPsychol, Geraldine Blavat, and colleagues: https://lnkd.in/gug3q-jv ---- Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this post are my own and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Center for Measurement Justice.

🗣 What if parents helped design the very systems that impacted them? Once trust is built, the next step is shared power. True transformation doesn’t happen when we design solutions "for" families. It happens when we co-design WITH them. Impacted parents carry the clearest vision of what would have helped them stay safely together. Their wisdom, when paired with data and system knowledge, can obsolete the need for child removal. To do this ethically and effectively: 1) Co-design must be ongoing, not a one-off: It’s not a focus group or a survey. It’s a long-term, power-sharing relationship where parents help shape strategy, policy, and practice. 2) Create healing-centered spaces: Co-design must reduce harm, not replicate it. Host sessions that prioritize safety, inclusion, and care. Avoid retraumatizing dynamics. 3) Start with questions focused on lessons learned from lived experiences: Instead of "What do you need now?" ask, "What would have helped you never come to the attention of CPS?" At Alia, we call this kind of design experience: Equitable and Ethical Co-Design (2E Co-Design)—not extraction, not tokenism, but authentic collaboration that builds solutions no single party could build alone. How have you seen co-design done well? What makes it real and not performative? Let’s rethink this together. PS – This post is part of my new series on reimagining child welfare. Follow along as we continue exploring how to build systems that heal. #ChildWelfareReform #CoDesign #UnSystem #LivedExpertise #PowerSharing

Designing for Everyone | Equity & Community Engagement in Urban Design Inclusive and equitable design lies at the heart of #resilient #cities. It’s about creating #publicspaces that serve everyone regardless of gender, age, or physical ability and ensuring that comfort, dignity, and safety are shared equally across our urban environments. Drawing from global #bestpractices and community-led design approaches, several key principles guide the creation of truly inclusive spaces: 👩🦽 1. #InclusiveDesign & #Accessibility - Ensure pram- and wheelchair-friendly layouts with continuous, barrier-free routes. - Integrate universal access points with clear wayfinding and tactile paving. - Provide seating, shading, and rest zones at regular intervals to support all users. 🚺 2. #GenderSensitive Planning - Design spaces that enhance visibility, comfort, and safety for women and caregivers. - Incorporate balanced lighting, active edges, and clear sightlines to promote safety and reduce fear of isolation. - Encourage mixed-use, active public areas that support diverse community needs throughout the day. 🤝 3. #Community #Engagement & #Co-Design - Involve communities early through pop-up workshops, on-site testing, and interactive models. - Translate local insights into meaningful design outcomes that reflect identity and culture. Build ownership and trust by turning end users into active design partners. When inclusion becomes a design principle, our streets, plazas, and parks evolve into shared spaces of connection and belonging not just places to pass through, but places to be. #UrbanDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #InclusiveDesign #CommunityEngagement #EquityInDesign #Placemaking #PublicRealm #UniversalDesign #GenderSensitiveDesign #Accessibility #HumanCentricDesign #ResilientCities #SocialSustainability #UrbanPlanning #Publicrealm #mobility #corridors #userfreindly

The more diverse the world becomes, the greater the responsibility and expectation technology has to the people and systems connected to it. As our world becomes more interconnected, the role of technology in our lives becomes even more critical. This shift brings with it profound responsibilities and expectations that we must address to ensure technology serves all of humanity equitably and effectively. 1. 🌍 Embracing Inclusivity in Design: Diverse populations bring a wide range of needs, preferences, and challenges. Technology must be designed with inclusivity at its core, ensuring that products and services are accessible to people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures. This means adopting universal design principles, incorporating diverse user feedback, and continuously iterating to remove barriers. 2. 🌐 Equitable Access to Technology: The digital divide is a significant challenge that exacerbates social and economic inequalities. As technology becomes more integral to education, work, and daily life, ensuring equitable access is paramount. This involves investing in infrastructure, providing affordable solutions, and supporting initiatives that bring technology to underserved communities. 3. ⚖️ Ethical AI and Data Practices: With the proliferation of artificial intelligence and big data, there is a growing need to address biases and ensure ethical practices. AI systems must be transparent, fair, and accountable, avoiding the perpetuation of existing biases and discrimination. Data privacy and security are also critical, requiring robust policies and practices to protect individuals' information. 4. 📚 Promoting Digital Literacy: As technology evolves, so must our understanding and skills. Promoting digital literacy across all demographics ensures that everyone can participate in and benefit from technological advancements. This involves education and training programs that cater to diverse learning styles and needs. 5. 🌱 Sustainable and Responsible Innovation: In a diverse world, technology must not only meet present needs but also be responsible for future generations. This means prioritizing eco-practices, reducing negative environmental impacts, and creating solutions that promote long-term environmental and social well-being. 6. 💼 Fostering a Culture of Diversity in Tech: The tech industry itself must reflect the diversity of the world it serves. This means fostering inclusive workplaces where diverse voices are heard and valued, and where everyone has equitable opportunities to contribute and thrive. Diverse teams are more innovative and better equipped to create solutions that address the needs of a diverse world. Let's continue to challenge ourselves, our organizations, and our communities. Together, we can create technology that truly serves humanity, bridging gaps and creating opportunities for everyone. #sustainability #supplychain #technology