Design-led approach to building social inclusion and pluralism in youth

Abstract

This article explores the use of design—process, methods and pedagogy to promote social inclusion and pluralism among the youth. It makes the case that design’s opportunity-driven approach combined with abductive reasoning and thinking is better suited to tackle uncertain, ambiguous and ever-evolving wicked problems such as exclusion—bias, discrimination and hate. It further discusses the work of a design-led social impact initiative based in the United States that uses design and creative facilitation to develop programs intended to cultivate a culture of inclusion in schools and classrooms. This paper outlines the use of systemic and individual behavior change strategies predominantly by; 1) developing learning modules, 2) cultivating pluralist competencies in students, and 3) capacity building for educators—providing facilitation tools and training for implementation at scale. Tested with more than 100 students and six educational.