Glossary

The design field is full of terminology and jargon that can be opaque and confusing at times. Below, I define some terms that come up often.

Practices

Mindsets and skill mastery in service of a particular goal or vision.

Collective Impact

Systems Thinking

Targeted Universalism

Disciplines

A field of study with all its philosophies, concepts, practices, and methods.

Research

Appreciative Inquiry • Systemic Action Research • Trauma-Informed Research & Facilitation


Design

Human-Centered Design • Learning Experience Design • Service Design


Strategy

Business Design • Futures & Foresight • Social Enterprise • Strategic Design • Strategy Activation

Movements

A loosely organized but sustained campaign in
support of a social goal.

Environmental Justice

Liberatory Design

Restorative Justice