DEDICATED TO INCLUSIVE DESIGN
Detroit’s UNESCO City of Design designation comes to life through the work of local partners who are already incorporating the practice of inclusive design in projects that:
Develop TALENT that is representative of the diversity of our community and create opportunities that encourage people to strengthen or establish roots in Detroit.
INVEST in Detroit’s design businesses and resources to advance design-driven industries, especially in ways that develop the practice of inclusive design.
Promote POLICIES that embrace inclusive design to inform how the city looks and works and raises awareness of the value of inclusive design and its tangible impact in Detroit.
Explore our library of helpful resources and tools to leverage when developing your inclusive project.
Photo by Alex Brisbey on Unsplash
Browse videos from people and organizations who are experts in inclusive or human centered design.
Long considered one of Detroit’s most iconic neighborhoods, the next chapter...
Constructed in 1925, Press 321 originally served as the in-house...
This event celebrates the publication of the book, which includes a chapter...
Cézanne Charles and John Marshall from rootoftwo and Noah Urban from…
Jocelyn Chen is the founder and executive director of design connect. Ackeem Salmon is an Art Teacher at...
Dessa Cosma is the executive director of Detroit Disability Power and Shamichael Hallman is the manager of the Cossitt...
Browse our curated collection of websites and resources from people and organizations working together with a focus on inclusive design.
The Design Guide for Real Estate Development is a practical workbook to help developers address each part of the real estate development process and integrate local culture into projects authentically. Its purpose is to inspire collaboration between designers, developers and the community—leading to healthier, happier communities in Detroit and beyond.
We believe the power of design can strengthen Detroit’s commercial corridors, and have a profound and lasting impact on the health and prosperity of our neighborhood business districts. This Design Guide aims to empower and inspire Detroit’s brick and mortar business owners with design information, examples, exercises and more.
Together with Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA), we released research highlighting the state of small batch manufacturing in Detroit. The State of Urban Manufacturing: Detroit Snapshot is the second of a six-city series produced by UMA that will provide first-of-its-kind data on city-based manufacturing across the country, with an emphasis on makers and small-scale manufacturers.
The value of design comes from top management rigor, company-wide teamwork, rapid iteration, and relentless user-centricity. Find out how the best performers increase their revenues and shareholder returns at nearly twice the rate of their industry counterparts.
Design & Dine is a luncheon lecture series that offers a platform to share projects, industry expertise and trends with a wide audience. The series aims to promote members, connect designers and help attendees build a wide range of design-based skillsets. Topics cover a variety of subjects and are driven by member interest and demand. Must be a Plus and Premier level Design Network member to present. To to propose a presentation topic, send us an email.
Client Services Boot Camp is an annual, six-session program based on the fundamentals of client service targeted to small- to medium-sized design companies and freelancers. In addition to workshops lead by industry professionals, attendees present their business pitch at the first and last session of the boot camp to help clarify their client offering and value proposition. Subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date information on schedules and registration.
A citywide celebration of creativity, Detroit Month of Design gathers designers and the greater community to celebrate Detroit’s role as a national and global design capital. Every September, partners across Detroit come together to show off their latest works and ideas. Applications to participate are open every year March-April.
Design Core and its partners share a variety of calls and opportunities for Detroit designers, locally and in the Creative Cities Network. As a UNESCO City of Design, we post and promote opportunities to participate in design competitions or apply for awards that adhere to the general principles set forth by the United Nations Creative Cities Network.
As stewards of Detroit’s UNESCO City of Design designation, we offer a variety of opportunities to Detroit’s design community throughout the year. From the Commerce Design Awards to Global Exchanges, we encourage you to learn more about the designation and the associated opportunities for Detroit’s design community.
One-on-one business consultations help design-driven entrepreneurs or small businesses access resources, strengthen their business and connect to professional services.
The College for Creative Studies Libraries have limited free research tools for all designers. Additionally, Detroit Design Network members can schedule appointments to use the Color and Materials Library for reference resources and material samples. Scheduling information is included in the membership welcome packet.
