DESIGNInG INCLUSIVE SPACES

This series explores various aspects of inclusive design, with a focus on creating environments that foster belonging, psychological safety, and authentic connections. The series features experts in different fields who provide practical insights and strategies for designing spaces that prioritize inclusivity.

LEARN FROM EXPERTS IN BELONGING, SAFETY, AND INCLUSIVITY

Recorded & Produced by Faye & Voelker

DESIGNING INCLUSIVE SPACES FOR THE FUTURE

Alex West Steinman (she/her) & 
Erinn Farrell (she/her)

Join co-founders Alex West Steinman and Erinn Farrell for a conversation on inclusive design. Unpack what makes design inclusive, and learn how to foster psychological safety through design thinking, and build a culture of inclusivity and belonging through physical spaces.

  • Inclusive design is about creating an environment where both individual and collective flourishing is possible. It centers and promotes joy, safety, curiosity, and belonging.

    We define inclusive design, not just the aesthetics. We’re talking about the people, culture, and space as a whole. You can have a beautiful space without a soul.

  • Psychological Safety Refers to an individual's belief that they may take risks and be vulnerable with their team. It is the number one predictor of effective teams, and yet many don't have it.1

    More than half of workers from historically underserved communities feel they must edit or hide their identity at work on a regular basis

  • When folks talk about the culture within organizations they often reflect on onboarding, mentoring and networking opportunities which are all ABSOLUTELY important connections to have - but I’m here to tell you that Cultures are built not through processes and networking but through Belonging.

Cultivating Cultures Rooted in Safety and Belonging

Nick Alm (they/them)

Nick Alm, founder of Mossier, discusses the importance of building an organization that prioritizes belonging. What is belonging? What system do we belong to? How can we unlock radical authenticity to build a culture of belonging?

  • Belonging is an interdependent need. It’s owning and sharing your authentic self with the world and being held and accepted by it in return. When we belong to something greater than ourselves, we find true community.

    Learn how to take the first step toward presenting your authentic self and experience what happens when you commit to the practice.

  • If authenticity is a prerequisite for belonging, it requires us to understand our core values — who we are and what we stand for — both personally and as an organization.

    Clearly defining your core values better equips your organization to create a culture of belonging, navigate challenges, make critical decisions and attract the right people and partnerships.

  • Get practical and tactical with four actionable steps you can implement now within your organization or team to cultivate belonging.

    Break down the Us vs. Them mentality to develop caring and trusting relationships. Practice gratitude and celebrate moments of joy. Make an irrevocable commitment to DEI by shifting from vague commitments to a foundation of measurable outcomes.

Designing Digital Spaces that Stick

Casper ter Kuille (he/him)

Casper ter Kuille, co-founder of The Nearness and author of “The Power of Ritual,” shares his top tips for creating the conditions for joyful belonging. Whether it’s a group of friends or a large podcast audience, Casper discusses how to foster human connection and introduces the practices of covenant, structure and rituals that support and deepen our sense of togetherness.

  • Become a designer of connection as Casper explains the importance of building structure into your events and digital spaces. While it may seem counterintuitive, clearly established structure sets the group’s expectations, providing clarity and comfort around the interactions that create joyful belonging.

  • Rituals are formative in shaping our sense of community identity. They’re traditions, practices and patterns that strengthen our connection with ourselves, one another and the world around us. Learn to cultivate and integrate rituals into your space with Casper’s three tips for turning habits into rituals through intention, attention and repetition.

  • Covenants are a community strategy that provide the structure and ritual for attending to our important relationships. Created from shared values and commitments we make together, they’re a powerful tool for collaboration, facilitating conflict, guiding difficult conversations and building healthy relationships.

Crafting Inclusive Learning & Development Spaces

Rosemarie Ndupuechi (she/her)

Join Chief Advancement & Marketing Officer at Women Venture, Rosemarie Ndupuechi, an expert in delivering content to diverse audiences and building inclusive spaces. You’ll learn what it means to be truly inclusive, how to build an understanding of your audience, and how to be honest and transparent about your own biases and perspectives. Unlock new insights about yourself and understand how to craft inclusive content.

  • Episode 1: Be Honest About Your Biases

    Creating an inclusive learning and development environment starts with improving how you invite and welcome people into your space. To nurture your students intentionally and strategically, first look to uncover your own biases and improve yourself.

    In this episode, Rosemarie provides important questions for self-reflection and recommended resources to help you build an environment rooted in safety and belonging.

  • Set the stage for learning by truly understanding your audience. Put yourself in your students’ place and do your homework about what they need to achieve and grow. Take a hard look at what you assume about your learners to determine whether you are really being inclusive, then decide how it will influence your approach to teaching moving forward.

  • Inclusive learning environments meet your students’ needs by catering to and representing all learning styles beyond the standard ways of teaching. While instructors often prioritize the content and materials they’re delivering, it’s time to flip the script. Focus on who will be receiving the content. Avoid assumptions about your audiences’ capabilities, test your learning materials for accessibility and inclusivity, and strive to deliver instruction in a variety of creative ways and formats to help students learn more effectively.

Fostering Safer Event Spaces

with Kimmy Hull (she/her) and 
Sam Koshiol-Wright

Join the co-founders of Sequeerity, as they share recommendations on building safe event spaces. From establishing inclusive entry and exit points to training your volunteers, you’ll walk away from this series with clear insights and direction on planning and holding an inclusive event.

  • While there are no true safe spaces at events, you can commit to creating a safer space for everyone at your event or venue. Learn how you can use a detailed map of your event footprint to communicate evacuation and emergency plans that instill a sense of security for your staff and attendees.

  • Creating a safe environment may require more than your event staff or volunteers can provide. In many cases, permits or city regulations may require law enforcement to be involved, who can react and provide authority in difficult situations with event-goers. Providing the appropriate safety plan will ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible.