Embedding Inclusion in Design Projects & Partnerships with Aleksandra Melnikova

“It’s essential that whoever we work with—and in whatever way we work—we foster inclusion at every step. And when I say inclusion, accessibility is a tiny part of it…Inclusion has so many more dimensions.”   Aleksandra Melnikova is an experience designer, strategist, speaker, and co-founder of Cosmic Velocity—an inclusive research, UX and service design agency in London. She joins Design Chats with guest host Erin Thibeau for a conversation touching on everything from Holacratic governance to Buddhist philosophy.   Aleksandra talks about the values driving her agency’s work, the “beautiful and ever-changing” world of inclusive design and leadership as a service. Aleksandra also shares examples of activities she’s facilitated to build culture and foster diversity and inclusion—both in her team and in client engagements.   Listen as Aleksandra and Erin discuss:

• Coming to a definition of inclusion by first discussing exclusion
• Three ways that practitioners pursuing inclusive design and research can set themselves up for success
• Why Cosmic Velocity partners with other agencies rather than pitching against each other
• Leadership models, mindsets and frameworks that reject hierarchy
• How she helps designers envision a different future by detaching from day-to-day tasks and entering a play environment
• …and much more

Follow Aleksandra’s work on her LinkedIn page. For designers looking to contribute more strategically, drive value in their organizations, and build influence, explore Pragmatic Design’s courses.