Virtual UCDA Design Conference: Jacinda Walker

Jacinda Walker, MFA is renowned for her work in design, diversity, research, and strategy. She is the founder and creative director of designExplorr, a social enterprise whose mission addresses the diversity gap within the design profession. Her research on Design Journeys: Strategies for Increasing Diversity in Design Disciplines has been hailed as breakthrough work. This solutions-based thesis explores diversity in design disciplines and investigates effective strategies to expose Black and Latino youth to design careers. Jacinda’s future goals are to help scale diversity in design initiatives within education institutions, corporations, organizations, and museums.

The mission of designExplorr aims to diversify the design profession by increasing access to educational institutions and corporate organizations. They do this through collaborations that develop youth activities, coordinate diversity-building initiatives, and connect stakeholders to resources. The number one design goal is to empower today’s youth with real-world skills, connections, and opportunities so that tomorrow’s design profession has all the best people leading the way.

12. UNDERSTANDING THE DIVERSITY GAP IN THE DESIGN PROFESSION
Diversity is not a new problem in the design profession. Scholars, employers, organizations, and design professionals have been inquiring about it for more than 50 years, and yet minority representation in the profession hasn’t significantly increased since 1965. What’s behind this disparity? Meet Jacinda Walker, founder and creative director of designExplorr, an organization whose mission addresses the diversity gap within the design profession. Jacinda's presentation will unpack the root of the problem, then outline her strategic solutions to change the face of design.