Inclusive Design Through a Feminist Lens: How Feminist Principles Drive Equitable and Lasting Change

Feminism has driven social change across many fields, including design. As design continues to evolve, it is crucial that design practices not only reflect but also actively amplify the diverse experiences of all individuals. By applying a feminist lens to design, we strengthen inclusivity and ensure that the systems we create do not reinforce oppression but instead work to dismantle it. Feminist and decolonial design are interconnected frameworks that collectively drive justice, equity, and inclusion. 

Our team at Narratives Inc. integrate feminist-informed design principles into our work by prioritizing inclusivity, accessibility, and ethical storytelling. Our approach ensures that the voices and experiences of underrepresented communities shape the narratives we create. 

Feminist design is not only about who designs. It is about how and why we design.  

It focuses on empathy, collaboration, and inclusion. Empathy is key to understanding and addressing the diverse needs of individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. Feminist design prioritizes lived experiences, seeking to create designs that are functional, purposeful and accessible to a wide audience. Collaboration is a foundational principle that encourages active engagement with underrepresented voices, collaborating to ensure their perspectives inform the design process from the beginning. 

A powerful example of feminist design in action is The REDress Project by Jaime Black. Created to raise awareness and spark dialogue for MMIWG2S+ in Canada, this installation features hundreds of red dresses donated by communities and displayed in public spaces across the country. Several of these dresses are exhibited at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR), where they continue to be one of the most discussed installations. Through this visual design, The REDress Project encourages critical conversations on this urgent issue, highlighting the power of art and design in social activism. 

Another example is the work of Manitoba-based designer KC Adams. Through her multidisciplinary art and design practice, Adams challenges colonial narratives and creates space for Indigenous representation in the arts. Her work, which includes photography, sculpture, and graphic design, often centers on breaking stereotypes and fostering meaningful dialogue around identity and resilience. By incorporating Indigenous perspectives into design, Adams exemplifies how feminist and decolonial principles can shape visual storytelling and advocacy. 

Integrating feminist principles into design is not without challenges. One of the main barriers is resistance within the design industry, where traditional practices often dominate. Many designers are hesitant to move away from conventional methods or to question long-standing norms. Another challenge is navigating intersectionality—understanding how factors like race, gender, class, and ability intersect to impact diverse needs. 

As part of the Expression and Connection team at Narratives, we address these challenges through our commitment to accessibility in visual communication. A feminist approach to design extends beyond compliance with accessibility standards—such as alt text, captions, and color contrast—to actively incorporating underrepresented voices in our imagery, language, and design decisions. We recognize that visual communication is a powerful tool in shaping perceptions, and we strive to ensure that our work is inclusive, equitable, and representative of diverse identities and experiences. 

Looking ahead, feminist-informed design has the potential to reshape the design industry by prioritizing inclusivity, equity, and social justice. As designers and communities become more aware of the value of feminist principles, we will see a shift in how design is practiced. The future of design must value all voices, emphasize empathy, and actively work to dismantle systems of oppression. 

Reflecting on the impact of your work is essential to driving social change. By continually evaluating your approach to equitable design, you can ensure your work meets the diverse needs of different communities. Ask yourself: