Dignity by Design
- Lisa Askins
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 2
Dignity isn’t a feature. It’s a foundation.
Every interaction with a system is also an interaction with the people behind it.
Whether it’s a form, a policy, a report, or a conversation, what we design carries human impact. That’s the truth. And in a world increasingly curated by systems, it’s a truth worth repeating.
The Personal Thread
In my role as a growth marketer, I spend a considerable amount of time thinking about how to engage people in the digital space.
Each touchpoint is an invitation. But not just to click or sign up—to start a conversation.
That invitation only works if the experience feels clear, respectful, and human.
Behind the scenes, there’s a lot of orchestration: shaping language that’s accessible, testing layouts for clarity, and building pathways that don’t just work, but feel good to move through. Because I know this: if the person on the other end doesn’t feel seen or understood, they won’t take the next step.
Design isn’t just about function.
It’s about relationship.
And that brings us to this:
Dignity can and must be intentionally designed.
Especially in digital spaces. Especially in our systems. Especially when life-changing services are delivered digitally and data privacy is our only protection.
I. Why Design for Dignity?
Systems are not neutral. They carry the beliefs, assumptions, and blind spots of the people who build them.
If you’ve ever felt confused, diminished, or dehumanized by a process or platform, you’re not alone. It wasn’t you. It was the design.
Good engineering—and good intentions—are not enough.
When systems feel disempowering, it’s often because dignity was never part of the blueprint.
Designing for dignity means placing humanity at the center.
It means asking not just what works—but what honors the truth.
II. Where Dignity Gets Lost in Design
Forms that collect more than they explain
Portals and pathing that confuse more than empower
Dashboards that oversimplify complex realities
Automated messages that are cold or clinical
Processes that punish vulnerability or difference
III. Designing with Dignity in Mind
There’s no perfect formula—but better questions:
Is this experience accessible and understandable?
Does this interaction reflect empathy and respect?
What does this system assume about the user?
Are we reinforcing control—or inviting trust?
Would I want to engage with this if I were on the receiving end?
Designing for dignity is about more than usability—it’s about humanity.
IV. From Interface to Infrastructure
It doesn’t stop at the interface.
Dignity must be architected into our systems.
That includes:
Clear and fair permissions
Transparent decision paths
Feedback loops that don’t disappear into a void
The ability to pause, opt out, or say no without penalty
The back end matters.
If the experience feels respectful on the surface but controlling underneath, the trust breaks.
Dignity doesn’t just show up in what people see—it’s how they’re treated.
Choosing Humanity in Design
Dignity isn’t accidental. It happens by design.
Every checkbox, every policy, every interaction is a chance to affirm humanity—or to overlook it.
To create more clarity, connection, and care, let’s build a digital experience that respects and encourages the dignity within us all.
Let’s talk. If you’re navigating change and want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and connection, I’d love to support your next step.
