Although it is unlikely that my selected community will be adversely affected by my design, I found the social justice design principles very eye-opening and interesting to consider nonetheless. The design justice principles ask that designers view the design process as a collaboration between themselves and the people their work may impact. According to the author, all design have social impact. Design is capable of reinforcing oppression or privilege and set standards for what is acceptable. It is not the solution to every problem however, so designers need to begin by listening. They need to listen to their audience and the wider community that may be impacted by the design outcomes.
The article encouraged me to be more thoughtful when it comes to designing, especially when it comes to the biases that I might imbue in my designs and how that might impact others at large. The article strives for more self-aware design, and reminds me to be mindful of not just my design’s conceptual impact but the execution of my designs too (ex. using sustainable paper sources). I agree that design can shape cultural and economic powers and hope to design more consciously to contribute to a more socially just future.