Lecture Notes: Equity-Focused Design in UX

Introduction

• Discussing equity-focused design as it affects race and gender
• Extends beyond race and gender to include ability, age, socioeconomic status

Key Concepts

Equity-Focused Design

• Consider all aspects of a design product
• Ensure fairness and accessibility for all genders, races, abilities
• Specifically consider underrepresented and excluded groups

Importance in Forms

• Job applications and census forms require attention to gender and race
• Ask whether certain information is necessary (e.g., gender identity on job applications)
• When necessary, ensure questions are unbiased and inclusive
• Example: Expanded gender options on forms for inclusivity and accuracy

Public Restroom Design

• Equality vs. equity in restroom design
• Gender-neutral restrooms as a more equitable solution

Case Studies

Voice Assistants

• Initial training with male, native English voices led to bias
• Difficulty in understanding female voices and strong accents
• Highlighted the importance of diverse user testing

Inclusive Images

• Design choices should represent diverse users
• Example of inclusive representation in app profile photos and avatars
• Design through a critical lens to challenge mainstream images

Conclusion

• Inclusive and equity-focused design principles have wide implications
• Upcoming discussions on user research and biases
• Preview: Designing for the next billion users