Blog 8
Design Is Not Just for White Men: Reflections from a Winning College Debate
Recently, I took part in a college debate that sparked passionate discussion, surprising perspectives, and more than a few "aha" moments. The motion on the table was bold, controversial, and intentionally provocative: “Design is for white men only.” I was on the opposing team—and I’m proud to say, we won.
Our victory wasn’t just a result of structured rebuttals or detailed research. It was the strength of truth on our side. The idea that design is a space exclusively for white men not only ignores a vast, diverse history of innovation, it erases the contributions of countless individuals who have shaped the world through creativity and problem-solving.
But beyond the win, what made the debate so memorable was how engaging it was. Listening to everyone’s arguments, whether I agreed or not, was genuinely interesting and at times, quite entertaining. The energy in the room, the clever rebuttals, and the thought-provoking stats reminded me why debate is such a powerful space for learning and growth.
Design Has Never Belonged to One Demographic
Design, at its heart, is about improving lives. And that mission has never been confined to a single race, gender, or region.
From the Han Dynasty’s early paper-making in China, to Middle Eastern surgical tools developed during the Islamic Golden Age, to West African craftsmanship in currency and weaponry, design has always reflected diverse human needs and genius.
These weren’t just historical artifacts; they were intentional, user-centered innovations that laid the groundwork for many of the products we rely on today.
The Overlooked Pioneers of Product Innovation
Too often, history highlights only a narrow slice of contributors. But here’s a glimpse into the real story:
Elijah McCoy, a Black Canadian-American inventor, revolutionized steam engines with his lubrication system, so effective that “the real McCoy” became a mark of authenticity.
Margaret Calvert co-designed the UK’s road signs, creating a visual language that millions rely on every day.
Josephine Cochrane, tired of her fine china being damaged by careless servants, invented the first automatic dishwasher in 1886.
Garrett Morgan brought us the traffic light and the gas mask, saving lives both on the road and in wartime.
And it doesn’t stop there-Marie Van Brittan Brown, a Black woman, co-created the home security system we still rely on today, while Mary Anderson developed the first effective windshield wiper, improving driving safety for everyone.
These contributions show that innovation has always come from all corners of society, often in the face of exclusion or lack of recognition.
Design Today: A Tapestry of Global Talent
Fast forward to today, and the design world is rich with global voices.
Ayọ Tometi, a Nigerian-British designer, is innovating in sustainable packaging.
Raven Hernandez, a Latina entrepreneur, created an eco-friendly ride-sharing platform.
Anya Hindmarch designed the first luxury handbag made entirely of recycled ocean plastic-proving design can be elegant and ethical.
Major brands like Google, Dyson, and Ikea now recognize what should have always been obvious: diverse teams create better products.
More Than Just Representation’s Innovation
Organizations like Black Girls Code, AIGA, and Design and Thinking are pushing boundaries and increasing access to leadership roles in design. Conferences such as Adobe MAX are not only celebrating diversity-they’re investing in it, highlighting creators who reflect the world we actually live in.
Design is evolving, not just in what it produces, but in who gets to participate. And that’s a future worth building.
In Conclusion, Design Belongs to All of Us
To claim that design is for white men only is to ignore a vast, complex, and beautiful history. It’s to overlook the contributions of women, people of colour, and non-Western cultures that have shaped the way we live and interact with the world today.
Our team won the debate because we told the real story-one that honors diversity, uplifts truth, and recognizes that design is a shared human endeavor.
And while winning felt great, what I’ll remember most is how enlightening the entire experience was. The passion, the humor, the surprising points raised by everyone involved-it was not only educational but genuinely entertaining. It reminded me that dialogue, when done with respect and curiosity, can be one of the most powerful tools we have.
