The Power of Activism and UX: Creating Change Through Design
The Challenges and Rewards of Being an Activist UX Designer
I‘ve had the privilege of combining my passion for activism with my UX Research and design career. For the past seven years, I’ve been dedicated to advocating for women’s and human rights through my work in UX, and it’s been an incredible journey. Over this time, I’ve learned a lot about the intricacies of this field and how activism and UX can intersect to create positive change in the world. Through my work in organisations dedicated to promoting women’s and human rights, I’ve seen the power that design can have to impact people’s lives in meaningful ways.
The rewards of being an activist and UX professional are endless, as you can make a real difference in the lives of marginalised communities.
In the tech industry, activism and social justice movements are becoming increasingly prominent, and it’s more important than ever for young UX designers to consider the pros and cons of being an activist and working in UX. In this article, I want to share my experiences and perspective on this unique path, offering a critical and nuanced look at what it means to be an activist and UX researcher or designer. By doing so, I aim to inspire others to consider how their work in UX can contribute to creating a more just and equitable world.
Pros:
- Power Dynamics 101: As an activist, I have a deep understanding of power dynamics and how they play out in society. This insight is invaluable in UX design, allowing me to design for marginalised users who might otherwise go unheard.
- Justice First: My activism fuels my passion for social justice, which I bring to UX design. I believe that technology should uplift and empower marginalised communities, not reinforce existing power structures.
- The Critical Eye: Activism gives me a critical perspective on technology and design, which I apply to UX. I question assumptions and consider the ethical implications of my designs, resulting in more equitable and accessible outcomes.
- A Voice for the Voiceless: My activism gives me the drive to advocate for marginalised communities, which leads to more inclusive and representative design outcomes.
- Making Change Happen: Being an activist drives me to make positive changes in the world. This drive informs my UX designs, ensuring they look good and work well and contribute to a just and equitable world.
Cons:
- Time and Emotional Toll: Activism can be emotionally draining and time-consuming, making it tough to balance with a professional career in UX design.
- Industry Pushback: The tech industry has a reputation for being resistant to activism and social justice initiatives. This leads to resistance from colleagues and superiors that can impact career advancement and job satisfaction.
- Burnout Risk: Activism can be high-stress and high-stakes, leading to burnout that negatively affects UX design and overall well-being.
- Priorities Clash: Activism and UX design priorities may clash, leading to difficult ethical and professional decisions, such as designing a product you believe is unethical or harmful to marginalised communities.
- Alone in the Crowd: Being an activist UX designer can be a lonely experience, with resistance and criticism from peers in the tech industry and feeling like you don’t fit in with activist peers.
In conclusion, being an activist and a UX professional is an incredible journey that requires courage, dedication, and a commitment to justice. By combining your passion for activism with your skills in UX research and design, you have the power to create real change in the world. It’s essential to be aware of your own position and recognise the challenges that may come your way, but it’s equally important to focus on the positives and use your influence for good. The rewards of being an activist and UX professional are endless, as you can make a real difference in the lives of marginalised communities.
Moreover, ethics play a crucial role in UX research and design. As an activist, you bring a critical perspective to your work, and your drive for justice can help ensure that technology serves the needs of all people, not just the privileged few. By using your voice and your skills to create equitable and accessible designs, you can help make the world a better place for everyone. So embrace your passion, embrace your skills, and let’s work together to create a more just and equitable world, one design at a time!
On this topic, I would love to recommend everyone to check DGA* design for changemakers run by my former colleagues and great friends.
Join forces with Mila Christina Albrecht and Alberto Gobber, the founders of DGA* design for changemakers, and take part in creating a positive impact through design. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, their passion for human rights, the environment, education, science, and impact-oriented companies shines through in their work.
Immerse yourself in the traditional printmaking process at the DGA • Druckgraphik Atelier Atelier in Berlin, where they teach classic printing techniques while also providing cutting-edge design solutions for digital and analogue mediums. Let’s work together towards making the world a better place for everyone — visit DGA* at Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Straße 3, 10407 Berlin today!
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, I believe we have a lot to learn from each other and can create real change together. So, don’t hesitate — reach out to me and let’s work towards a more just and equitable future, one design at a time.
Do not miss my previous articles on UX Research and activism:
