By Ciera Givens, Product Designer at DailyPay
Ciera Givens, DailyPay
As a Black product designer in a leading tech company specializing in financial banking solutions, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of diversity in the world of product development. During Black History Month, it’s particularly important to reflect on this aspect as it intertwines with the broader narrative of inclusion and representation.
At the core, diversity in product design isn’t just about ticking boxes on a demographic chart. It’s about bringing together a rich tapestry of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. In a field like financial technology, where products directly impact the financial well-being of users, this diversity isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.
When a team is diverse, the products they build are shaped by a wider range of viewpoints. This includes not just racial and ethnic diversity but also diversity in gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic backgrounds, and life experiences. Each team member brings their own unique understanding of the world, influenced by their personal journeys. For instance, a team member who grew up in a low-income household might offer insights into the financial challenges faced by similar demographics, leading to more empathetic and effective solutions.
Black History Month serves as both a vivid reminder of the contributions and struggles of Black individuals throughout history. In the context of product design, it’s a time to acknowledge and celebrate the significant impact that Black designers and innovators have made, and continue to make, in shaping technology. It’s also a time to reflect on the gaps that still exist in representation within our industry. By recognizing the achievements and understanding the challenges faced by Black professionals, we can foster a more diverse and innovative workspace. This celebration and reflection aren’t just about looking back but are integral in building a future where products truly cater to all.
Diversity in product design is important for a simple reason: the way we grow up and live our lives changes how we see and understand the world. This idea, called the psychology of perspective, tells us that our own experiences shape what we think and expect from things around us. In designing products, if a team is made up of people who all have similar backgrounds, they might not see the full range of what different users need. But if the team is diverse, with people from all sorts of backgrounds, they’re better at thinking about and meeting the needs of many different users. This leads to creating products that work well for more people.
Equity in product design means creating solutions that not only reach a wide audience but also address the specific needs of underserved or marginalized groups. Having diversity in a design team plays a crucial role in achieving this. When designers from varied backgrounds collaborate, they challenge each other’s assumptions and push the boundaries of innovation. This leads to products that are not only functionally robust but also culturally sensitive and accessible to a diverse user base.
In conclusion, as we celebrate Black History Month and honor the contributions of Black individuals in various fields, let’s also embrace diversity within our own teams. It’s not just about making our workplaces more inclusive; it’s about enriching our perspective, enhancing our creativity, and ultimately, building financial products that truly serve everyone.
