Intro
Rice & Bangles
Why inclusive design matters to me…
Everyone wants to feel seen, heard, and have a sense of belonging. And I’m no different. Growing up in England within a traditional Indian household surrounded by a vibrant community, I never really felt like a minority. At school, university, and work, my background was always something to celebrate. I enjoyed sharing stories about Indian culture, food, and traditions with my non-Indian friends and colleagues. Their curiosity and interest were heartwarming.
Within my community, it’s about more than just celebration—it’s about passing on teachings and traditions to the next generation. As I began my career in retail design, I started noticing brands and retailers making efforts to connect with people like me. They highlighted cultural festivities and traditions in their promotions, and I saw the potential for these moments to be more meaningful and impactful.
Inclusive design is more important now than ever before. With so many options for consumers, brands that go beyond surface-level connections will form real relationships and deepen the bond with their audiences. When done authentically, inclusive design isn’t just a trend—it’s a pathway to trust, loyalty, and a sense of belonging.
As a British-born Indian working in retail design, I’m uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between brands and the communities they wish to connect with. I understand the cultural nuances and the power of thoughtful design to create genuine engagement. It’s about creating moments that resonate, not just visuals that tick a box.
For brands, the key to success in inclusive design lies in working with specialists who understand the communities they’re aiming to reach. It requires accurate and relevant insights, respectful research, and authentic collaborations with the right voices. It’s not about token gestures or surface-level campaigns but about forming meaningful connections that are built on trust and understanding.
In today’s world, where social media acts as a visual diary of our lives, brands inevitably become part of our stories. To truly connect with communities and their nuances, brands need to invest the time and resources to learn and engage with those who live these experiences every day. Only then can they authentically become part of the special stories we all want to share.
With this blog, my hope is to highlight those brands and collaborators who are leading the way in inclusive design. I want to showcase how it’s done well, explore areas for improvement, and share my own journey in this space where design and culture meet. Together, we can create designs that make everyone feel seen, heard, and truly included.