Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Design and Products

In this day and age, diversity and inclusion aren’t just terms; they’re expectations. Customers want to see brands that reflect the world that they live in, with studies showing that 63% of consumers consider diverse representation to be important. Studies also show that 47% of people are more likely to buy from brands that showcase inclusivity.

Graphic Design is at the Forefront of this Movement

Graphic designers are spearheading this new movement by ensuring marketing material feels welcoming to all. Using high-contrast colours as well as legible fonts and even descriptive alt text makes sure that content can be enjoyed by all, making inclusivity the forefront of every interaction. 

Brands can also incorporate cultural diversity into their products. As time goes on, we are seeing more and more candle and fragrance companies release products inspired by different countries. Yankee Candle, for example have a Sakura Blossom Festival candle, and Paco Rabanne has released One Million Golden Oud. 

This is a perfume that incorporates fragrances such as spicy leather and sandalwood, with the bottle incorporating green gemstones, a nod to the Middle East. Lindt Dubai-style bars are also popular, and Ladurée has a Marie-Antoinette macaron with black tea from China and India to add complexity, while paying homage to the classic Parisian macaron. 

Even in digital entertainment, we are seeing a rise in cultural representation. When browsing slots online UK catalogues, you will see titles that celebrate distinct cultures, including Samba Reels, which is a nod to the Brazilian Carnival, Queen of the Pyramids, which references Egypt, and Age of the Gods, which showcases Greek mythology. Netflix is also investing in more culturally diverse content, signifying a broad movement. When done right, cultural diversity and inclusivity aren’t just ways to gain more appeal, as they are also ways to make content and products feel more relevant. 

Inclusivity and Cultural Diversity Add to Long-Term Brand Value

Even though product variation is important, and graphic design is the best way to ensure a strong impact from new releases, it works best when it’s built into long-term brand strategies. Consumers are now able to distinguish between genuine, authentic releases and surface-level launches. As a business, if you can add diverse imagery to your campaign and if you can focus on expanding your product range to include more inclusivity, then this is great. With that said, you also need to put consistent effort into your community engagement. Brands that take the time to do this will have consumers who feel more respected. This means they are also much more likely to form a connection to your brand, which is important for long-term profitability.
 

Although diversity may seem like a trend, and it certainly is a good marketing tactic, the brands that stand to capitalize the most on this movement are the ones that are utilizing it at a fundamental level. If you can thoughtfully position your business as being culturally relevant, inclusive, and forward-thinking, you’re bound to achieve success, especially as the world becomes more connected and as people become more aware of brands that are making the effort.