Leslie-Ann Noel: Design for Change

In what ways can design thinking be leveraged to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems within our education systems?

Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel is an esteemed educator and designer known for her work on equity, social justice, and the inclusion of underrepresented voices in design education. Currently transitioning to OCAD University in Toronto, she previously served as a professor at North Carolina State University and held leadership roles at Tulane University and Stanford's d.school. Dr. Noel's work is deeply influenced by Paulo Freire and bell hooks, focusing on how design can be a tool for liberation and social change.

In this episode, Louka Parry and Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel dive deep into the transformative power of design education. Dr. Noel discusses her journey from Trinidad and Tobago to Brazil, the U.S., and now Canada, and how these experiences have shaped her views on education, equity, and design. They explore the importance of agency in both students and educators, the role of emotional intelligence in design, and the critical need for education systems to support diverse identities and perspectives.

Listeners will gain insights into how to challenge the status quo in education, the significance of cultivating emotional and social awareness in design, and practical approaches to fostering more inclusive and equitable learning environments. Dr. Noel’s reflections on her own positionality and how it informs her work provide a powerful reminder of the importance of self-awareness in creating meaningful change.