Design Journeys Archive
“Design Journeys” is a collection of stories about the professional
lives, contributions and portfolios of historically under-represented
designers that serves as an accessible body of research honoring their
accomplishments.
Individuals selected for “Design Journeys” are published in this
online archive including visual samples of their work with an
insightful, biographical essay.
History of the project
In 2005, the AIGA Task Force on Professional Diversity developed a
list of recommendations for increasing diversity within the profession.
Among the stated goals were to publicize outstanding designers of
varying backgrounds and create traveling shows of the work of diverse
designers. The “Design Journeys” project seeks to achieve both—by not
only celebrating the stories and work of these practitioners, but also
influencing the next generation of young people from all backgrounds to
consider design as a viable and rewarding career.
The archive’s board of advisors
convened for a day in the summer of 2007 and reviewed candidates
recommended through AIGA’s online form for this project, ultimately
selecting 25 designers to be featured in the first “Design Journeys”
installment.
From May 20 through August 6, 2010, “Design Journeys” was presented to the public in an interactive exhibition at the AIGA National Design Center. “Design Journeys: You Are Here” celebrated the work of the 25 pioneering designers and invited audiences to consider their own paths in life.