In an increasingly interconnected world, cultural diversity has become an invaluable asset. It represents a mosaic of traditions, beliefs, languages and experiences that define our collective identity as human beings. At the heart of this diversity, companies occupy a central position as drivers of social and economic change. Not only do they shape the products and services we use every day, they also have the power to influence the way we perceive the world around us.
Today, it is essential for companies to be open to questions of ethics and cultural richness, on the one hand in order to grow together with society, but also and above all to help raise the profile of communities and promote inclusion.
The importance of inclusion and representation
Inclusion and representation are of crucial importance, especially in design. They help to create products, services and spaces that are more equitable, innovative and in tune with the expectations of contemporary society, guaranteeing creations that reflect the diversity of society, improving accessibility for all, and stimulating innovation. By demonstrating a commitment to inclusion, companies strengthen customer loyalty and comply with current regulations.
How to promote cultural diversity
- Creating inclusive products and services: Design companies have the ability to design products and services that take into account the cultural diversity of users. This includes designing products that meet the needs of specific cultural groups, and that take into account cultural differences in user interface, language and usability.
- Representation in visual communication: design companies play a crucial role in the creation of visuals, images and communication campaigns. They can promote cultural diversity by ensuring that their visual content reflects a variety of cultures, ethnic origins and lifestyles. This can contribute to a more balanced representation in the media and in advertising.
- Cultural sensitivity in design: Design companies can integrate cultural sensitivity experts into their design process. These experts can advise on the cultural and societal aspects of design, ensuring that products and experiences are respectful of different cultures.
- Supporting diversity in the sector: Design companies can encourage cultural diversity within their own workforce, by hiring designers from a variety of cultural backgrounds. They can also promote cultural diversity throughout the design industry by participating in awareness-raising, mentoring and educational initiatives.
- Cross-cultural collaborations: Design companies may seek to establish collaborations with designers and cultural organizations in other parts of the world. This can encourage the exchange of ideas, perspectives and innovations, contributing to the mutual enrichment of cultures.
Drawing on work done by members of minority communities
To illustrate the importance of cultural diversity in branding, we can draw inspiration from the teachings of landscape architect Naomi Ratte and architect Jason Surkan, who are among the first Aboriginal Design Fellows at the CCA (Canadian Centre for Architecture).
In the course of their work, they explored the rehabilitation of Peguis First Nation land and historic Métis habitat, showing how architecture can be used to preserve native cultures. Their approach emphasizes the importance of respecting traditional knowledge and working in collaboration with local communities to create spaces that are inclusive and respectful of cultural diversity.
Working with cultural minority companies
Another important aspect of promoting cultural diversity in the workplace is working with companies from disadvantaged minorities. In Quebec, for example, there are many Aboriginal businesses and businesses from different cultural communities that bring cultural and economic wealth to the region.
Working with these companies, whether as business partners or by integrating them into the supply chain, can help strengthen cultural diversity within the business ecosystem. This goes beyond simple branding, as it creates economic opportunities for communities that have often been marginalized.
At Alexem Studio, we’re fortunate to work with such communities. By working with and for companies such as Tarquti Energy, Kautaq constructions, Apatakaa and Makivvik, we have the opportunity to promote Quebec’s cultural diversity and learn from Inuit communities. The resulting enrichment enables us to grow as a company, but also as human beings, and to open up our horizons and our knowledge to become better, quite simply!
Conclusion
In conclusion, cultural diversity plays an essential role in companies’ choice of collaborations. It offers many advantages, including reaching new audiences, building trust with customers and differentiating from the competition. However, it is important to adopt ethical practices by working with cultural diversity experts and collaborating with companies from disadvantaged minorities. By doing so, companies can help promote cultural diversity while strengthening their brand image and helping to create a more inclusive world.
We also invite you to discover Shina Novalinga ‘s work on Tiktok to learn more about Nunavik communities.
