DxD Turns Five

Diversify by Design (DXD) launched on January 29, 2021, when a group of industry and nonprofit leaders, educators, and activists forged a coalition to challenge the systemic racial inequities in the mostly white design industry. 

At that moment in time, the popular sentiment was that this type of work was not only important, it was imperative. Corporations and institutions of higher education invested in hiring Chief Diversity Officers to move their organizations to a place of inclusivity and belonging; professionals volunteered their time to support people of color who have been marginalized and historically excluded; and, the federal government spent billions to promote racial equity through the Department of Education. The appetite for change was apparent and DEI was “hot”. But it wasn’t to last.

Since then, DEI initiatives, or anything closely resembling them, have become the focal point of attack by politicians, the current administration, even “law” enforcement. What was once seen as imperative and right, is now punishable. Just this week, a New York Times article was published highlighting Andrea Lucas, the Equal Employment Opportunity chair, who is “determined to undo the consequences of five years of ‘aggressive focus by D.E.I. activists’” (Rebecca Davis O’Brien, “Employment Commission Chair Recasts Workplace Discrimination in Trump’s Image, New York Times, 1/27/2026). Through all of the uncertainty and upheaval, DxD has stood against the shifting tide. Though a great deal of our progress has met with challenges.  

While diversity in the design industry may seem like small potatoes in our current climate, DxD remains steadfast. Why? Because the truth is that the entire ecosystem that humans operate in is designed: systems, experiences, products, services, cities, housing…even AI…it’s a very long list. Without diversity in design, we’re left with the same people doing the same things over and over and over again, while the rest of us expect things to change/provide different results. Author, feminist and lesbian icon, Rita Mae Brown (not Einstein) captured it perfectly when she wrote that’s the definition of insanity.  

As we reflect on our five year anniversary, we are amazed that we survived—even thrived—through 2025. To tell you how we did it, over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing our stories of the challenges and successes we’ve had along the way. It’ll be compelling reading, for sure. 

We’re well aware that our work can not solve the deeply-rooted racial inequities that face this country, but we will continue to march forward to be the small change that we can. (That’s a Ghandi reference if you missed it.) Bottom line: no matter how popular or unpopular this work is, DxD will remain true to our mission—that a just and equitable society requires an inclusive, diverse, and equitable design profession. 

Ready to rise above the tide and join DxD? Come on…right this ship with us. Together we can make it happen!

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