Edufuturists #282 Equity Centred Design with SL Rao

In this episode of the podcast, we engage with SL Rao, a design consultant from Optimistic Design. They explore the concept of equity-centred design, emphasising the importance of community involvement in the design process. SL shares their journey from engineering to design, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach in technology and education.The conversation dives into the challenges of implementing equity-centred design and the significance of recognising privilege and bias in the design process. In this conversation, SL discusses the importance of recognising and overcoming biases in education, particularly in the context of equity.The dialogue explores how societal biases shape educational experiences and emphasises the need for an asset-based perspective. SL highlights the significance of understanding the diverse contexts of students, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, and the importance of co-designing educational experiences with them. The conversation also look into modernising math(s) education, the role of technology, and the need for new assessment methods that go beyond traditional grading systems.Chapters00:00 Introductions01:52 Meet SL Rao: A Design Perspective03:58 Understanding Equity-Centred Design09:45 SL Rao's Journey: From Engineering to Design16:12 The Importance of Community in Design21:41 Challenges in Implementing Equity-Centred Design25:56 Navigating Privilege and Bias in Design30:35 Recognising and Overcoming Biases in Education32:20 Equity in Education: Understanding Context and Data34:46 Navigating Diverse Opinions in Educational Design35:57 Identifying and Prioritising Marginalised Voices39:31 Co-Designing with Students for Better Outcomes43:03 Modernising Math Education: Bridging Theory and Practice49:34 The Role of Technology in Education54:11 Rethinking Assessment and Learning Success56:22 Taking Steps Towards Equity-Centred DesignFind out more about the work SL is involved with at:Modernizing MathOptimistic DesignThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work?Get in touchGet your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2025