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Session Guide

FRI-D08: Rethinking Participation and Power: Expanding the Potential of Design for Everyone

Friday, October 10, 2025
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM CT
Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 206-207
1.25 PDH, LA CES/HSW, AICP, NY/HSW, FL

Design is never neutral. Yet design processes can unintentionally reinforce uneven power dynamics—privileging dominant voices while excluding those with the most at stake. Through case studies and critical discussion, panelists will explore inclusive design approaches for sharing power in design: (1) expanding access and (2) shifting the center.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify how design and decision-making reinforces or challenges existing power imbalances. Understand how historical and systemic inequities shape access, participation, and representation.
  • Learn strategies for broadening participation. Compare approaches for redistributing power, from institutional reforms to community decision-making.
  • Learn how public space designers, leaders, and consultants can integrate equity-focused methods to their work. Develop strategies to build trust and long-term partnerships.
  • Identify and learn about concrete actions that have been successful for advocating for systemic changes in organizations and projects.