OUR
APPROACH
O U R B E L I E F S
How We Think
ChiByDesign pioneers co-design approaches to create anti-racist outcomes for social and civic challenges. Viewing these challenges through an anti-racist lens, we seek to understand and redesign the social technologies that create inequities and power-based structures. We are firm believers in sharing the power, tools, and mindsets of design with the people most harmed and impacted by these challenges. In doing so, we unlock limitless creative and effective solutions. In doing so. we co-create an equitable and sustainable future with you.
Systems Thinking
An approach to viewing systems from a broad perspective that includes seeing overall mental models, structures, patterns, and cycles in systems rather than narrowly focusing on specific events in the system. We at ChiByDesign also identify ‘Economics’ to be an additional layer playing a crucial part in shaping events and impacting other layers.
Anti-Racist Design
Anti-racist design is an emerging practice that Chris Rudd, the Founder of ChiByDesign, has pioneered through his work at ChiByDesign and the IIT-Institute of Design. The anti-racist design tools that have been developed help connect “isolated” events to structures and mindsets that lead to oppressive conditions. Anti-racist design differs from equity design in a couple of ways:
It assumes that racism is embedded in the problem in which we are addressing.
1
Focuses on multi-level interventions that enable
anti-racist outcomes.
2
Changes the paradigm that creates racist experiences.
3
Co-Design
Co-design is an approach to designing with, not for, people. It requires sharing power, prioritizing relationships, using participatory means, and building capability. Co-designers offer invaluable knowledge gained from lived experiences and provide insights the team may not uncover otherwise. A co-design approach allows us to
Gain robust insights into the needs, wants, and preferences of youth and families.
1
Leverage creativity and expertise existing within various stakeholder groups.
2
Increase stakeholder buy-in for future structural and programmatic changes.
3
Find gaps where there needs to be more connection between key players within the system.
4
Develop stronger bonds and care with our stakeholders.
5
Trauma-Responsive Design
We approach design with a trauma-informed lens with a 3-part approach by being aware of the prevalence of trauma in individuals, communities, and systems; understanding the impact of trauma on physical, emotional, and mental health; and recognizing that current services and systems retraumatize people.
Building awareness and understanding of trauma.
1
We make and hold intentional space for trauma in teams.
2
Designing for healing, recovery, and growth.