DesignObserver is an online platform that focuses on design, culture, and related topics. It offers various channels including podcasts, articles, and newsletters, covering subjects such as arts, business, education, and technology.

DesignObserver

Design Observer | 5,034 followers on LinkedIn. Writings and podcasts on design and culture. Founded in 2003 by Jessica Helfand and Michael Bierut. | Design Observer is an independent media company that has remained committed to expanding the definition of design for a better world for more than two decades. 

Visit us for essays, articles, reviews, newsletters, and Interviews with fascinating people from a range of industries who are exploring their creative practices, inventing new ways of working, and helping shape a more inclusive world.

Editor in Chief, Design Observer

Ellen McGirt

Other Tomorrows and Northeastern University

Lee Moreau

Managing Editor, Design Observer

Sheena Medina

Editorial and communications consultant for purpose-driven organizations | I help media brands, memberships, social good companies, and progressive…

Delaney Rebernik

Design Observer

"This project was born from the knowledge that true belonging, equity, and justice can only be achieved when the voices and experiences of women of color are central to the conversation. We know this change is not only possible but essential for creating a nation that truly serves all of its people." - Sheena Medina This is where you come in. Whether you are an advocate, activist, or ally, your presence is crucial in this moment. All five episodes of She the People with Aimee Allison are available now. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eWM4Qri2

What does it mean to design a life of purpose and impact? In this inspiring conversation, Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA , CEO of IIDA, shares her journey as a trailblazer in the design world, her passion for equity and inclusion, and her vision for the future of the profession. “Diversity makes design better. When we welcome more people, more voices, and more origin stories, the work gets better. We get better,” she explains. As design shapes the spaces we live, work, and gather in, what happens if we fail to make it inclusive? Cheryl offers a bold perspective on why the future of design depends on reflecting the richness of human experience—and how we all stand to benefit from it. Read the full interview by L'Oreal Thompson Payton now on Design Observer. https://lnkd.in/euHyYBtV #DesignLeadership #DiversityInDesign #Creativity #DesignObserver #CherylDurst

Ever wonder what it takes to get half a million moms fired up about voting? In Michigan, a key swing state, Danielle Atkinson and her team at Mothering Justice are doing just that. They’ve reached over 500,000 moms, helping them become powerful voices in their communities and active voters, all while celebrating their roles “as caregivers, as stewards of this country.” In the season finale of She the People, Danielle and Aimee Allison talk about why co-creating, listening, and uplifting community voices are at the heart of voter mobilization. Even though creating change is no small feat, Danielle believes in bringing joy back to activism. Don't miss this inspiring conversation 👉 https://lnkd.in/e7Hbd4K7 #ShethePeople #election2024 #MichiganVotes #MotheringJustice #GOTV

In Michigan, a key swing state, Danielle Atkinson and her organization, Mothering Justice , have connected with over 500,000 mothers, empowering them to engage as voters and leaders in their communities. Through affirming and supporting people “as caregivers, as stewards of this country,” Danielle drives change in a way that centers dignity, purpose, and joy in civic engagement. In the She the People season finale, Aimee Allison speaks with Danielle and Genny Castillo on the power of inclusive organizing across Michigan and Georgia. Hear how these leaders mobilize communities and inspire future-focused action. Listen to their invaluable insights on voter engagement and leadership. Full episode is out now: https://lnkd.in/e7Hbd4K7 #Leadership #GOTV #election2024 #mothering #justice #diversity #inclusion #DEI

Genny Castillo , a prominent Latina organizer, launched ¡Vamos Georgia!, a statewide program driving Latinx voter engagement. Her mission? To get people involved far before voting begins, ensuring Latinas are never left out of the conversation. Don’t miss Genny’s inspiring insights on building a political world that includes more voices and fuels true community power. Our FINAL episode of She the People is out NOW 👉 https://lnkd.in/e7Hbd4K7 #leadership #community #organizing #election2024

Election Day is nearly here, and communities across swing states are working tirelessly to get out the vote. In the latest She the People episode, Aimee Allison speaks with Genny Castillo , an organizer dedicated to empowering Latino voters in Georgia. With strategies rooted in joy, Genny shares how she’s breaking down barriers and turning out the vote where it matters most. Listen in as Genny highlights the power of community-led initiatives and a shared commitment to a more inclusive democracy. Full episode 👉 https://lnkd.in/eDNADZcZ #VamosGeorgia #election2024 #joy #gotv

Narratives shape our perceptions but what might they be keeping us from seeing? Equity Observer reporter L'Oreal Thompson Payton speaks with Moya Bailey , the scholar and activist who coined “misogynoir,” on why representation alone can’t repair what’s broken. At Design Observer, we’re exploring the complex intersections of how identity intersects with power and policy. Read the full story 👉 https://lnkd.in/d_v7hk7h #equity #dei #election2024 #misogynoir #leadership #design

Congratulations to the incredible Carrie Mae Weems on receiving the prestigious 2022 National Medal of Arts at the White House! Weems has been a trailblazing force in the art world, using her powerful work to explore identity, race, gender, and justice. Her fearless creativity continues to push boundaries and inspire. We are honored to have featured her this season on DBBD. In our episode, Carrie Mae shares her reflections on art, public life, and the power of convening people through creativity to confront the world's biggest challenges. Her insights are profound: “History is not created by winners; it’s created by people trying to survive.” 🎧 Listen to our conversation with Carrie Mae Weems here: https://lnkd.in/d9GeDn8B #CarrieMaeWeems #NationalMedalOfArts #DBBD #ArtAndJustice #DesignObserver #Podcast #ArtMatters #PowerOfArt

The New York Liberty🗽 🏀 just claimed their first-ever WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) championship at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was on hand to present the trophy, marking a monumental moment for the WNBA and its ever-growing fanbase. This season on #DBBD podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Cathy Engelbert about her transformative leadership and vision for the WNBA, touching on talent, activism, and the business of basketball. With attendance and viewership at record highs, the league’s growth is undeniable — and last night’s victory is just the beginning. Tune in to hear Engelbert share insights on: - Building the WNBA as a “growth stock” and bringing in a 200% revenue increase - Supporting player wellness and social justice activism - The power of the league's players on and off the court Plus, Lindsay Gibbs of Power Plays join to reflect on three decades of WNBA history and how the league is evolving in real time. Don't miss this timely conversation — perfect for fans who want to understand the driving forces behind the WNBA’s rising success. 🎧 Listen to the full episode 👉 : https://lnkd.in/epbxc6yw #WNBA #Business #DesignofBusiness #NYC #WNBAFinals

Why do narratives matter in shaping our political future? In Episode 4 of She the People, we feature Moya Bailey and Crystal Echo Hawk , two women using narrative to shift power and influence in social and political change. Equity Observer reporter L'Oreal Thompson Payton interviews Moya Bailey on the impact of misogynoir—the intersection of anti-Black racism and misogyny—on Kamala Harris’s campaign and Black women at large. Aimee Allison also speaks with Crystal Echo Hawk, founder of IllumiNative Org , about how Native communities are reclaiming their narratives and building political and cultural power ahead of Election Day. Tune in to explore how narrative shapes political outcomes and what it means for the future of voting rights. Listen now 👉 https://lnkd.in/dz6sfi4S #SheThePeople #NarrativeChange #GOTV #Misogynoir #PoliticalPower #IndigenousRights #election2024

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