Alright, so let’s talk about something that comes up way less often than it should in design school or on Pinterest mood boards—cultural sensitivity. And no, I’m not just talking about putting a kanji symbol in a logo or slapping some tribal patterns on a T-shirt. I’m talking about actually thinking critically and respectfully about how and why we include elements from cultures that may not be our own. Welcome to the real talk about culture, respect, and design responsibility.

Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation

Okay, this part’s important, so listen up: cultural appropriation is when someone outside a culture borrows from it in a way that strips it of context, meaning, or respect. Think: a designer from the U.S. using African patterns in a brand just because “they look cool,” without knowing anything about their origin or significance. Oof. It’s not a good look.

Cultural appreciation, on the other hand, involves understanding, acknowledging, and respecting a culture’s values and history. It means asking: Am I the right person to tell this story? and Am I doing this in a way that honors the people it came from?

Why Cultural Sensitivity Matters in Design

Design is visual storytelling—and stories hold power. If you’re using symbols, colors, languages, or styles from a culture, you’re telling a story about that culture. That story has consequences. It shapes how other people see it. So yeah, it’s a big deal.

When we design without sensitivity, we risk:

• Reinforcing stereotypes

• Spreading misinformation

• Erasing original meanings

• Offending the communities we’re referencing

Let’s not be that designer, okay?

Examples of Designs Gone Wrong

Let’s just rip the Band-Aid off:

• Fashion brands using Native American headdresses in runway shows (yikes).

• Logos with cartoonish Asian characters for “Asian fusion” restaurants.

• Yoga studios using Sanskrit words without understanding their spiritual roots.

These aren’t just design fails—they’re cultural fails. And people notice. Brands get called out, trust is broken, and communities are hurt.

So What Can You Do as a Designer?

Now here’s the good news: there is a way to get it right. Cultural design can be beautiful, meaningful, and collaborative if you go into it with humility and curiosity.

1. Research like crazy: Go beyond surface-level. Read books, watch documentaries, follow creators from that culture. Dig into the symbolism and context.

2. Collaborate: If you’re creating something based on a culture that isn’t yours, hire or consult someone from that culture. Co-create instead of borrowing.

3. Credit your sources: Inspired by a traditional pattern from Ghana? Say so. Share the history in your design story or caption. Lift up the voices that taught you.

4. Avoid stereotypes: One symbol doesn’t represent a whole culture. Be nuanced. Culture is layered, evolving, and rich. Don’t flatten it.

5. Ask, “Is this mine to use?”: Sometimes, the answer is no. And that’s okay. There’s so much creative space you can explore respectfully.

Designing for Multicultural Audiences

Now let’s switch gears a bit. What if you’re creating a campaign for an audience that’s multicultural—like a community with African, Asian, and Latinx influences all in one?

Here, it’s not about borrowing a culture. It’s about welcoming them all. Here’s how to do it well:

• Use inclusive imagery: People of different skin tones, body types, languages.

• Localize your designs: Don’t assume one layout works everywhere. What’s clean in London might feel cold in Lagos.

• Be language-aware: Translating isn’t just about words—it’s about tone, idioms, and nuance.

Examples of Cultural Sensitivity Done Right

• Airbnb’s “Belong Anywhere” campaign: Showcased diverse homes and cultures without stereotyping.

• Nike collaborating with Indigenous artists for their designs and storytelling.

• Google Doodles that celebrate holidays from around the world, with proper context.

Visual Elements with Cultural Significance

Let’s nerd out a bit. Colors, shapes, and patterns often hold deep meaning. Did you know…

• Red in Chinese culture = prosperity and luck.

• The Maasai Shúkà (cloth) pattern carries social identity.

• Islamic geometric art has spiritual and philosophical significance.

When you understand the why, your designs become richer, deeper, and more powerful.

Designing with Empathy Is the Future

At the end of the day, cultural design is human design. It’s not about being “politically correct” or walking on eggshells. It’s about respect. It’s about listening. It’s about designing with people—not just for them.

If you’re still with me—awesome. You’re already ahead of the curve. Most people aren’t even asking these questions yet. But you are. And that means your designs are going to be smarter, kinder, and way more impactful.

So go forth, create boldly, and remember: we don’t design in a vacuum. Every shape, every color, every symbol you use is part of a global conversation. Make sure you’re speaking with intention.