As we approach the 2024 IDSA International Design Conference & Education Symposium taking place September 11-13 in Austin, Texas, we are excited to feature a conversation with Omari Souza, Assistant Professor of Communication Design at the University of North Texas and a keynote speaker at this transformative event. With a background that spans roles at VIBE magazine, Capital One, and CBS Radio, and a deep commitment to inclusivity—as showcased by his founding of the State of Black Design conference—Omari brings a rich perspective to this year's theme, "Design Disrupted." His keynote, "Woven Futures: The Fabric of Restorative Design," will explore how designers can create more equitable and impactful outcomes through the lens of restorative design.

The theme for this year's IDC & Education Symposium is 'Design Disrupted: Shaping the Future of Design.' As an educator and a leader in the field, how do you perceive the current disruptions affecting the industrial design industry?

The current disruptions in the industrial design industry are redefining how we approach the creation and representation of cultural identities. As we increasingly acknowledge the importance of inclusivity and cultural resonance, design is moving beyond its traditional boundaries. Disruptions such as the growing demand for culturally authentic products, the integration of diverse narratives, and the influence of technology on design processes are all reshaping the industry. These changes are compelling designers to not only reflect but actively transform societal perceptions through their work. In this context, design becomes a powerful tool for social change, enabling the creation of objects and experiences that resonate deeply with diverse communities and promote equity.

As an educator, I see these disruptions as an opportunity to reimagine how we teach design, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, community engagement, and the potential of design to drive social progress. By integrating these concepts into the curriculum, we can prepare the next generation of designers to navigate and lead in this evolving landscape, ensuring that the future of design is more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the rich diversity of human experiences.

As we witness unprecedented shifts in technology and society, the role of the industrial designer is evolving dramatically. From your vantage point, what are some of the most surprising or innovative ways in which industrial designers are adapting their practices? What advice would you give to designers to not just adapt but to actively shape these new frontiers?

One of the most surprising and innovative ways industrial designers are adapting their practices is by integrating human-centered design principles with emerging technologies like AI, VR, and sustainable materials. Designers are now using AI to enhance creativity and efficiency, generating design iterations that were previously unimaginable. VR is being leveraged to create immersive experiences that allow for real-time user testing and feedback, fundamentally changing the prototyping process. Additionally, the shift towards sustainability is pushing designers to explore innovative materials and circular design practices, ensuring that their creations are environmentally responsible from conception to disposal.

Another significant adaptation is the increasing emphasis on inclusive design, where designers are actively seeking to understand and address the needs of diverse and historically marginalized communities. This shift is not just about expanding market reach but about redefining what it means to design ethically and responsibly.

My advice to designers is to embrace these technological advancements while staying rooted in the core principles of empathy, inclusivity, and sustainability. It's essential not just to adapt but to lead by rethinking traditional design paradigms, challenging existing norms, and being fearless in exploring new possibilities. By combining technological innovation with a deep commitment to social impact, designers can shape a future where design is both cutting-edge and profoundly human-centered.

Your keynote, 'Woven Futures: The Fabric of Restorative Design,' introduces a compelling framework for designing with marginalized identities in mind. Can you explain the concept of restorative design and how it can help address historical and ongoing inequities in design?

Restorative design is a framework that seeks to address and heal the historical and ongoing inequities embedded within the design industry by centering the experiences and needs of marginalized communities. Unlike traditional design approaches that often reflect dominant cultural perspectives, restorative design actively engages with the voices and narratives of those who have been historically excluded or misrepresented. It aims to create solutions that not only meet the functional needs of these communities but also foster empowerment, cultural pride, and social equity.

Restorative design challenges designers to critically examine the power dynamics and biases inherent in their work and to consider how their designs can contribute to a more just and inclusive society. By focusing on restorative practices, designers can create artifacts, services, and systems that actively repair the harm caused by past injustices, whether through the intentional inclusion of marginalized perspectives, the reimagining of cultural symbols, or the development of products that enhance community well-being.

In essence, restorative design is about more than just aesthetic or functional outcomes; it's about using design as a tool for social justice, healing, and transformation. It acknowledges the past, addresses the present, and envisions a future where design serves as a catalyst for equity and empowerment.

Drawing from your experiences in media, broadcasting, and higher education, and particularly your work with the State of Black Design conference, how do you see the principles of ethical design and inclusivity being integrated into industrial design today? What are the most critical changes you believe need to happen in the industry to foster a genuinely inclusive design culture?

State of Black Design conference, I see the principles of ethical design and inclusivity being increasingly integrated into industrial design through a growing emphasis on restorative practices. This includes reclaiming marginalized identities, preserving cultural heritage, and challenging Eurocentric norms. The work highlighted in my forthcoming book, Restorative Design: Transforming Practice Through Empathy, Inclusivity, and Justice, exemplifies how design can serve as a tool for cultural preservation and community empowerment, much like the efforts in Africatown or Zora Neale Hurston's documentation of ancestral narratives.

To foster a genuinely inclusive design culture, the most critical changes needed are:

1. Decolonizing Design Education: Curricula should incorporate diverse cultural perspectives, moving away from the dominance of Eurocentric aesthetics to include the visual languages and traditions of marginalized communities. This shift is essential for training future designers to approach their work with a broader, more inclusive worldview.

2. Restorative Design Practices: Designers must engage with communities to understand their unique histories and identities, creating solutions that honor and uplift these narratives. This involves incorporating traditional practices and contemporary methods to create designs that are both culturally relevant and forward-thinking.

3. Challenging the Dominant Gaze: It is crucial to confront and dismantle the "white gaze" that has historically shaped design norms. By doing so, we can create space for diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring that design solutions are equitable and reflective of the communities they serve.

4. Incorporating Ethical Storytelling: Just as Hurston insisted on preserving the authentic voices and experiences of her subjects, industrial design must prioritize the authentic representation of marginalized identities, ensuring that their stories and contributions are not erased but celebrated and integrated into the fabric of design.

These changes are imperative for creating a design industry that is not only inclusive but also ethically grounded in respect for all cultural identities and histories.

Omari Souza's insights provide a vital perspective on using design as a catalyst for social change. Don't miss his exploration of restorative design and ethical practices at the 2024 IDSA International Design Conference & Education Symposium this September 11-13 in Austin, Texas. Join us to engage with industry leaders like Omari and contribute to shaping the future of design.