I’m an Impact Designer.
After recognizing the power and potential of the metaverse, I began researching it in my free time. What started as a mix of anxiety and confusion quickly evolved into a deeper exploration of the philosophical responsibilities of designers. Concepts like the distinction between ableism and universal design, actor-network theory, and IDEO’s human-centered design became stepping stones, ultimately guiding me toward the creation of Impact Design.
For me, the defining characteristic of Impact Design is its focus on how a product, experience, or message influences society as a whole. It goes beyond addressing the needs of direct users, delving into how the design’s presence within a system shapes attitudes, relationships, and realities for various groups—particularly those who are marginalized or excluded from categories like innovators, early adopters, and the early majority. Impact Designers view society as an interconnected, complex system and understand that their work both shapes and is shaped by the broader collective conversation. As an Impact Designer, I aim to create, improve, and contribute to systems that ensure equitable opportunities and resources, empowering individuals to meet the unique needs dictated by their realities and pathways to fulfillment.