Visualizing Cultural Values and Biases

Acknowledging and discussing values and biases can improve collaboration on diverse design teams. Values are deep beliefs that guide our lives. While we choose our personal values based on what we think is right or wrong, cultural values are often determined by particular beliefs and social patterns within different societies. Unconscious bias unintentionally influences our response or behavior toward another person or situation, whether positively or negatively, due to feelings or beliefs that we do not consciously recognize. Although all humans possess both biases and values, it can be difficult to start this important conversation when beginning to work in new environments. However, understanding and coming to terms with these complexities encourages all members of a team to grow as individuals and as collaborators. Studies demonstrate that diverse teams work more effectively and creatively together than homogeneous ones. Thus, innovation depends upon addressing these potential stumbling blocks. Our research indicates that visual thinking activities improve intercultural learning because they engage diverse teams in open and productive conversations around challenging topics. Creating and interpreting visual artifacts shifts the team’s focus away from placing judgment or blame on particular individuals and enables group dialogue to evolve beyond assumptions. These visual approaches and ensuing conversations improve both the team’s collaborative experience and creative outcomes. Learning to utilize these methods can encourage intercultural teammates to disrupt feelings of cultural hegemony and establish team equity. Both are essential to diversifying design.