Is it fair that we dedicate just one day of the entire year to wish and appreciate women, offer a few promotions to the mix, and then disregard everything the next day? At yuj, we believe in doing things differently. We understand that celebrating women's achievements and contributions should not be confined to just one day of the year. That's why, in the spirit of International Women’s Day, we launched our DesignHer campaign.
Inspired by the Government of India’s Narishakti initiative, promoting women's empowerment and celebrating their success, the campaign was a heartfelt tribute to the incredible women who shape our design landscape.
*What was DesignHer about?
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DesignHer wasn't just another campaign; it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and success. In the 10 days leading up to Women’s Day, we spotlighted the remarkable journeys of our women design leads. Through a series of interviews and insightful discussions, we took a look at their challenges, triumphs, and invaluable tips for aspiring designers.
Coming to the ‘why’, we initiated the DesignHer campaign with a clear vision—to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our women designers and to amplify their voices in the design community.
At yuj, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Through DesignHer, we aimed to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of women in design, challenge stereotypes, and inspire the next generation of creative minds.
By sharing their stories, insights, and experiences, we hoped to ignite meaningful conversations, promote diversity, and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future in the design industry. Ultimately, DesignHer was a testament to our unwavering dedication to empowering women in design and creating spaces where every individual's talent is celebrated and valued.
*Key Questions and Insights:
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Throughout the campaign, we engaged in insightful conversations with our esteemed women designers, including Anureet Kaur, Huma Hussain, Tanya Bhargava, Purva Jhunjhunwala, Sakshi Jain, Sony Sabherwal and Anushka Belsare.
These specifically curated questions helped explore their experiences, offering profound insights into various aspects of their design journeys (these insights may be very useful in getting the gender and design conversation started, so keep reading)!
Q1: How do women contribute differently to the field of design?
When it comes to design, women bring a unique perspective and skill set to the table. Higher emotional intelligence allows women to comprehend and empathize with users on a deeper level, fostering collaborative and inclusive environments. They excel in maintaining composure during conflicts and have a knack for juggling multiple tasks seamlessly. Their solutions are not only functional but also emotionally resonant, as they approach problems with a holistic view, ensuring detailed designs that are intuitive, user-friendly, and emotionally engaging.
Q2: Women make up over half the design industry, so why are there so few at the top?
Despite constituting most of the design industry, women often encounter systemic biases and obstacles on their path to leadership roles. There's still a lingering stigma around women in design, creating barriers to their advancement into top positions. Additionally, the increasing responsibilities women shoulder, both socially and biologically, sometimes force compromises in their career advancement.
Q3: Looking back, what would they have told their younger selves about starting a career in UX design?
Reflecting on their journey, our trailblazing female designers said they would advise their younger selves to be more expressive and open about their ideas and aspirations. Embracing every challenge as an opportunity to grow and learn is crucial, along with investing in a pair of comfy shoes for those long days! Seeking mentorship early on and communicating better with other designers in the industry are invaluable pieces of advice. Being open to all kinds of experiences, both good and bad, is essential as they shape their journey.
Q4: A pivotal moment in their journey that significantly shaped their approach toward design.
For each of our design leads, there was a pivotal moment that profoundly impacted their approach to design. Whether it was being put in the driver's seat to craft solutions genuinely tailored for users, understanding the business end of things, or directly interacting with users to gain insights, these moments shaped their perspective and approach towards design.
Q5: What can be done to encourage more diversity in design?
Encouraging women to take up leadership positions and providing platforms for them to share their experiences are crucial steps. Offering more opportunities to potential women designers and advocating for diversity in leadership roles is essential. Ensuring fair hiring practices and creating environments where all voices are heard and valued are also vital in fostering inclusivity in the design industry.
Q6: How do they overcome challenges or obstacles at work?
Maintaining a positive mindset and staying calm when facing challenges is key. Tackling obstacles head-on and seeking help when needed is essential. Remembering that everything can be figured out and giving themselves time to solve problems is crucial in overcoming challenges at work.
Q7: On staying creatively engaged and motivated.
To stay creatively engaged and motivated, our panel of women designers love exploring new destinations, art, and music to spark inspiration. Planning activities that excite them and bring joy, such as spending time with family, exploring nature, or practicing mindfulness, were a close second. Moreover, finding ways to incorporate creativity into their daily lives, whether through hobbies, reading, or meditation, is of high importance when sustaining creativity.
Q8: Tips or advice for the next generation of women!
To the next generation of women designers, they would advise starting to take action towards their goals and having confidence in themselves. Putting in the work and aiming towards what they want to achieve will pave the way for success. Identifying how they want to be perceived in their surroundings and communicating their aspirations is crucial. Staying updated with industry trends and continuously working on improving their skills will set them on the path to success in the dynamic field of design.
It’s Time For A Change
As we reflect on the insightful narratives shared by our women designers through DesignHer, it becomes evident that creating a level playing field in the design world is a must. We, at yuj remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual has the opportunity to shine, innovate, and lead the way in design excellence.
For us, DesignHer wasn't just a campaign; it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and empowerment. By amplifying the voices and experiences of women in design, we hope to inspire change, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.
Together, we continue to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in design, not just on women’s day but every day.
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