Inclusive Design Communities

A Book Apart #42

by Sameera Kapila

What does it mean to be a member of a community? And how do we ensure that our communities—from classrooms to workplaces to meetups—are welcoming to all who want to be a part of them?

Sameera Kapila answers those questions and more by examining how our identities intersect with our design practices. Whether you’re a student, educator, practicing designer, manager, recruiter, mentor, or organizer, you’ll learn to notice subconscious bias, interrogate your values, and actively create welcoming spaces for all. Inclusive Design Communities will empower you to build the design industry you want to see—the one we all deserve.

Genres: Design, Technology, Art Design, Management

160 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2025

About the author

Sameera Kapila is a design leader, speaker, and author based in Austin, TX.
Her career experience includes advertising, startups, private and public design education, DEI initiatives, executive leadership, advisory boards, consulting, and product design and development. These different experiences inform her writing and speaking.

Reviews

[Goke Pelemo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a design veteran in the tech industry and an educator, Sameera addresses inclusion as a concept that impacts design communities and what it means to her from her own personal experiences. Reading this book, I have a better understanding of how marginalization impacts different groups; how I can identify issues and become a better ally to other impacted people.

She also mentions a performance management practice that I am a big advocate of -- the 30/60/90-day plan for new hires or new roles known as the success profile in some circles which helps leaders to clarify expectations and assess performance fairly.

I look forward to reading more from her and other books like this one.

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read and implement for all companies to have more inclusive hiring practices. Also great list of suggestions for creating inclusive spaces.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for something not only to read yourself, but to share with colleagues and those who "want to do better but don't know how", this is a super affordable, easy, and great way to do that. Sam's book is not preachy, but rather approachable and completely actionable in its approach. It shares lessons and points out current pitfalls in the system, because we can't move forward if we don't know where we came from and where we stand today. Each chapter has lists of bulleted and numbered options to implement into your work, environment, etc. If you read this book, it's possible to start making a difference and creating better design communities tomorrow, and that's incredibly valuable. I plan to buy some copies and share the wealth with the people in my professional network. Thank you Sam for taking the time to write this and share it with the world!

[Alex Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every design leader and those who care about our design communities need to read this book (and plan to reread every so often). Sameera’s personal experience paired with her research provides an incisive view into the current state of our industry and how we can improve it. You may know some of these facts or methods to be more inclusive, but this book pulls it all together. Think of it as a manual to improve your view, your team and your business step-by-step.

Those outside of design would be well served to read it as well. So many of the facts and methods apply to every group—see the hiring process for a great example of something that can be changed company-wide.

[Kyle Fiedler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inclusive Design Communities is a gift. Sameera builds your understanding of inclusion, then shows you how that understanding can be applied to education, hiring, leadership and wider online and in person communities. While it focuses on design industry, the content applies to all people that want to be a part of inclusive teams and communities.

Inclusive Design Communities should be required reading for any working in technology. I know that I will be returning to it again and again in the future to refresh my comprehension of what I've learned.

[Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a review, open the flap :)

[Ryan Rumsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a deep and genuine love for those who can take a complex topic and make it actionable. As the need for more inclusive design communities grows daily, Sameera’s straightforward, intentional approach meets the call. I love this book and I’m a better person for reading it.

[Jrene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides a good overview and many helpful tips and resources for everyday work. Highly recommended for employees as well as leaders, HR professionals, and event organizers. I’m already deeply familiar with the topic, so much of it was known to me. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it.

[Andy Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly written, helpful, and *necessary* : an open-hearted guide to intentionally crafting design history curriculum and workplace tasks such as hiring, meetings, management. Designer? Educator? Commissioner or client? Get this book, share it as a ground from which to work better together.