Empowering Communities through Design Literacy

In contemporary society, the understanding and application of design principles often remain confined to professionals, with a significant gap existing between architects, designers, and the general populace. This disparity is exacerbated by the predominant focus of design upskilling on software proficiency and presentation techniques, sidelining the fundamental aspects of good design. As a result, individuals seeking to renovate or build their homes often lack the necessary knowledge to engage effectively with design professionals, leading to suboptimal outcomes and missed opportunities for innovative and inclusive design solutions. Recognising this challenge, there is a pressing need to enhance design literacy across diverse segments of society, fostering a culture of informed decision-making in design. Through initiatives aimed at both professionals and laypersons, we aim to bridge this gap and empower individuals to actively participate in the design process, ultimately creating more inclusive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments for all.