‘In Perspectives’ challenges design industry to rethink inclusion from the inside out

During a time when many in the creative industry are scaling back on promises made in 2020, a group of designers based in Montreal is presenting an innovative, people-focused solution. ‘In Perspectives’ is a fresh initiative from the design studio Six Cinquième in partnership with Never Was Average that goes beyond responding to the changing cultural landscape around DEI—it’s a reimagining of how inclusion can be integrated into daily design work.

Supported by the Bureau du Design de Montréal and the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec, the project is part of the city’s broader Quality Toolkit initiative, which aims to equip creatives with tools for achieving better, more inclusive results. What sets ‘In Perspectives’ apart is its basis in real-life experiences. Rather than providing a one-size-fits-all checklist or generic guidelines, the framework is constructed on narratives, conversations, and practical application.

After over a year of development, the project entailed collaborative workshops with BIPOC designers and community members, detailed documentation of lived experiences, and a shared dedication to humility. Miro Laflaga, co-founder of Six Cinquième, states: “The solutions don’t come from the designers; they originate from the people we are designing with. It takes humility to be honest with yourself and admit, I don’t have all the answers – and that’s acceptable.”

The outcome is a tool that encourages design professionals to step away from general assumptions and engage with complexity. Harry Julmice, co-founder of Never Was Average, clarifies: “Universal design is often portrayed as the ideal standard. However, for many of us, it doesn’t feel that way. When your real experiences differ from the assumed norm, universalism can start to seem like a representation of someone else’s regularity.”

Rather than promoting comfort, ‘In Perspectives’ seeks truth. It questions who design genuinely benefits and what it signifies to create from a position of concern, interest, and community. The team prioritized collaboration with underrepresented groups, aiming to foster open, honest conversations about exclusion, visibility, and the emotional effects of design choices.

Ash Phillips, co-founder of Six Cinquième, emphasizes: “We chose not to make assumptions. Our objective was to address challenges for both designers and community members by listening first.” This dialogue influenced the format and language of the toolkit, blending practical steps with introspective inquiries.

Designed to be accessible and culturally relevant, the digital experience created by the two studios feels warm and firmly rooted in real-world contexts. ‘In Perspectives’ is intended for a broad audience, encouraging everyone in the design field to reflect on their role, influence, and responsibility. It advocates for a shift in mindset that puts people at the core of design practices, emphasizing the real impact designers can have on individuals’ experiences.

As the team points out, the issues tackled by the project are not unique to Canada but resonate globally as design communities confront challenges related to representation, inclusion, and accessibility. The toolkit is envisioned to transcend borders, recognizing the universal need for inclusive practices.

In a time when resistance to DEI initiatives is mounting across various sectors, ‘In Perspectives’ emerges as a crucial endeavor. Rather than offering quick solutions, the project champions patience, dialogue, and accountability, urging designers to approach their work with intention and openness. By promoting a human-centered approach to design, the initiative by Six Cinquième and Never Was Average aims to create a more inclusive and empathetic design landscape.