Why Designers421?

MOTIVATION
In August 2008, thirteen designers from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds met to discuss
their individual and collective experiences as practitioners and educators in the creative design
field. Several important themes emerged throughout the summit discussions:
• staying connected to one another
• influencing the growth and development of the next generation of designers
• sharing success stories within communities-of-color
• facilitating diversity across the design industry

It became clear that an entity — a network of sorts — was needed to help facilitate these ongoing
conversations and inspire collaboration around key initiatives. Out of the passion, commitment
and vision of the original summit attendees grew Designers for the 21st Century (D421), a new
professional network focused on the multicultural multidisciplinary design community.

MANIFESTO
Leveraging a hub-like approach, D421 will engage, connect and rally the global community of
multidisciplinary designers-of-color around matters pertinent to their professional and personal
lives.

• D421 Identifying existing programs/activities

• D421 Connecting

• D421 Networking

• D421 Inspiring Growth

Through social networking, story-sharing, example-making, mentoring and advocacy around
critical community issues, D421 will facilitate organic interaction among its local, national and
international members.

. . .not by reinventing, but by connecting professionals, students, and community

D421’s intent is not to re-invent the work of existing professional design
organizations, but to identify opportunities for collaboration and provide
a platform for dialogue and synergistic action.

D421 is not exclusive, and thus seeks to embrace and celebrate all
who share its mission and values.

D421 will share and celebrate the success stories and accomplishments of minority designers.

D421 will help educate students, families and teachers in underrepresented communities about
career opportunities in design.

D421 will help sensitize the greater design industry to the importance of diversity in the creative
design field.

D421 will not have physical chapters, but the members will be encouraged to join existing local
design organizations and/or arrange their own informal “meet-up” sessions.

MANTRA
d421 = creativity + culture + community

Click here to download a PDF copy of this statement.