ABSTRACT
Caring for the less fortunate, especially those of vulnerable populations, is the embodiment of collective empathy and progressive values. To include such aspirational goals in design curricula, engaging in a deeper, more critical examination of design practices and the underlying values that inform them is imperative—recognizing that true inclusivity is not a commodity to be bought and sold but a fundamental principle in design that requires ongoing commitment and engagement in the practice of design and the design education development process. This involvement holds a unique and meaningful space for research beyond observation. It is research as an intervention capable of receiving the character thoughts of its participants via their own communication methods, experiencing examples of their own daily lives. Valuing experiences, moving beyond superficial inclusivity markers, and creating environments that genuinely reflect design as a cultural and ethical pursuit.
