Jessica Meharry

“Good design takes into account issues of access, choice, and agency so that it generates equitable outcomes and flourishing for all people.”

An expert in equity-focused design practices, design management pedagogy, and creative processes, Jessica Meharry is an Associate Professor in the Business & Entrepreneurship Department at Columbia College Chicago and Adjunct Professor at IIT Institute of Design. Her research and professional career focuses on designing for equitable economies, framing equity as an innovation driver, and developing inclusive design management pedagogy.

How would you describe the central focus of your work?

My scholarly research focuses on three intersecting lines of inquiry that explore equitable design methodologies in both practice and pedagogy: anti-oppressive design practices for professional designers; envisioning anti-racist futures through design methods; and equity-oriented experiential education within design pedagogy and curricula.

What is collaboration with Carlos like?

I consider my entire course of study with Carlos to be a collaboration. He always considered me his equal and supported me in exploring new paths and ways of thinking. Most importantly, he is an eager learner and wanted to know how my thinking and ideas could contribute to all of his collaborations and partnerships. This is a rare quality, to be willing to set aside one's own expertise for the good of a project or collaboration. I can't think of a better approach to partnering with people whose expertise and backgrounds are different from your own. And it's these partnerships that are critical in engaging with today's complex challenges.

What is good design?

Good design takes into account issues of access, choice, and agency so that it generates equitable outcomes and flourishing for all people.

What is bad design?

Bad design leads to changes in human behavior that benefit companies and institutions rather than people.

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