New to the site? Try Quick User Guide

We track anonymous visitor behavior on our website to ensure you have a great experience. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.

equityXdesign Spectrum of Design Power Dynamics

Timeline showing three steps: User-centered design (stakeholders consulted), then co-design (stakeholders part of design team), and user-created design (stakeholders as designers)

The equityXdesign Collaborative has defined a spectrum of design power dynamics to help people starting on a design process to determine how they can best make their process inclusive and equitable. The spectrum shows three different approaches to inclusive design – user-centered, co-designed, or user-created design – each with a deeper type of engagement of those who will eventually benefit from the design process’ results (e.g., students, families, teachers, classified staff).

Credit to Michelle Molitor, Caroline Hill, & Christine Ortiz; check out their organizations, 228 Accelerator, The Equity Lab, and Equity Meets Design, as well as their writing, Racism and inequity are products of design. They can be redesigned.

Explore More

Family uses laptop together, smiling

Madison Promise Online Program's Approach to Communication

Through their participation in TLA's Strategy Lab: Virtual & Hybrid program, Madison Promise Online Program sought to identify ways to...

Students stand in hallway with their arms around each others' shoulders

Engaging Families Through In-Person Events (Cajon Valley Virtual Learning Program)

Through their participation in TLA's Strategy Lab: Virtual & Hybrid program, Cajon Valley's Virtual Learning Program sought ways to help...

Student works with parent, smiling at laptop

NYC School Without Walls' Approach to Student and Family Engagement

Through their participation in TLA's Strategy Lab: Virtual & Hybrid program, NYC School Without Walls sought to increase engagement with...