This toolkit presents a list of steps that ensure the entire research and development process uses equity, diversity, and inclusion as guiding principles at every stage.
Summary
Research and development (R&D) is a key component of any organization’s strategy—whether its deliverables lie in consulting, marketing, developing innovative technology, serving vulnerable communities, education, or generating knowledge and higher revenue. In addition, we know that human-centered design processes not only result in more impactful and beneficial products, but also save money. But what exactly does it mean to design and conduct human-centered research? What are key steps that one can take to develop products with an eye to diversity and inclusion? How can we ensure that R&D not only generates valuable products, but also contributes to broader social equity? This toolkit presents a list of steps that one can take to ensure that the entire R&D process—from the initial idea, to the dissemination of products/information, to the very consequences of R&D—uses equity, diversity, and inclusion as guiding principles at every stage.
