Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion

In our path to developing educational content for digital designers, we create spaces that open the conversation around the industry’s challenges, but also around our own humanity and role as designers.

Through the themes of our conferences, we encourage designers to reflect on relevant topics related to inclusion and diversity, and to promote social responsibility and empathy. The outcome we aim to achieve is DEI progress in the design industry, and the development of a global community that creates powerful change, connecting and empowering each other – regardless of ethnic, religious, economic background, gender, sexual orientation, or disabilities.

Download DEI deck

A CONFERENCE

FOR EVERYONE

PART OF OUR DNA

We believe that a real community can only be formed by learning from each other. Through our speakers, participants, partners, and collaborators, we seek to learn and join the battles fought by underrepresented groups. It is thanks to their support, that we can create a space that provides opportunities for diverse designers to expand their network and continue to become the leaders of an industry truly engaged in inclusivity.

As a team, we strive to create and support a culture of inclusion and belonging, where people, culture, and systems, nurture a digital design industry that embraces diversity in the workplace, equal opportunity, and inclusive practices in all aspects of our work.

The speakers of Design Matters came from many different countries. Over 50% are tipically women, and at least 5% are non-binary.

ALLIES FOR DIVERSITY

Involving designers from different backgrounds on and off stage at our conferences is a challenge we meet with pride. This is why we’ve come up with different ticket types, discounts, and price levels, tailored to our audiences and with a focus on including designers from underrepresented groups.

DEI tickets are more accessible and are intended to support the participation of people of BIPOC and other minority backgrounds, who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and/or with disabilities. At the same time, they are also intended for students, independent designers, and non-profit staff who may have a harder time accessing the conference at regular prices.

Download the DEI deck to learn more about our DEI agenda and what concrete steps we’re taking to make sure our work guarantees a diverse, equal, and inclusive approach.

DECENTRALIZING DESIGN

The world is becoming more aware of the enormous absence of Indigenous knowledge and practices in our societies. From history to art, from research methods to the language we use, Colonialism still permeates our mindsets and the way institutions are wired, including design. To decolonize and decenter design, we need to think more broadly and embrace plurality.

Choosing to decentralize the conversation around digital design is a key component of Design Matters' DEI agenda. This way, we can guarantee an inclusive and fair view within the industry. In addition to our DEI & Design Masterclass , ourconference in Tokyo and ourconference in Mexico City, each year, we seek the help of global designers in our Committee Meetings, to support us in deciding the themes and topics we talk about at our events.