SPOTLIGHT: Designing for Inclusivity – Interview with Katie Smetherman Holmes on Why It Matters More Than Ever
Hello friends! Welcome back to the Brand Studio Creative blog! We all know that in today’s world, inclusivity isn’t a trend; it’s a necessity. In her latest interview with Brainz Magazine, Katie Smetherman Holmes, CEO and Founder of Brand Studio Creative and Executive Contributor for Brainz, unpacks the deep-rooted connection between inclusive design and authentic brand impact. With her signature blend of heart and strategy, Katie shares how businesses can create brands that see their audiences, really see them.
Let’s dive into three standout takeaways from her conversation
Inclusivity Begins with Intention
Inclusive branding doesn’t happen by mistake; it’s the result of thoughtful, intentional choices. Katie emphasizes that inclusivity isn’t just about aesthetics or surface-level representation. It begins in the earliest stages of brand strategy and flows through every visual and verbal element. When intention leads the way, design becomes more than beautiful; it becomes meaningful.
“Design isn’t just about what looks good, it’s about what makes people feel seen, heard, and welcomed”
– Katie Smetherman Holmes
What Katie means is that great design serves as a deeper purpose than catching the eye. It should create space for all kinds of people to feel like they belong. From the way your copy reads to how accessible your visuals are, inclusivity is built through awareness, empathy, and a genuine desire to reflect the diversity of the world around us.
Representation Isn’t Optional, It’s Strategic
Katie reminds us that inclusive brands don’t just reflect the world as it is; they help shape the world as it should be. Inclusive design isn’t about “checking boxes”; it’s about making sure everyone can see themselves reflected in your brand and experience. When more people feel included, more people engage. Katie encourages businesses to look at their brand through the eyes of someone different from themselves and ask, “Would I feel welcome here?” This shift in perspective builds not only stronger communities but also more resilient, future-ready brands.
Accessibility is a Design Superpower
Katie believes that accessibility isn’t a “bonus feature”; it’s a design essential. Fonts, color contrast, captions, navigation, these things matter more than many realize. If your design isn’t accessible, it’s not complete. She points out that designing with accessibility in mind doesn’t limit creativity; it fuels it. It challenges creators to think beyond the usual and come up with innovative solutions that work for everyone. In her studio, accessibility is viewed as a design superpower, a way to expand what’s possible, not restrict it.
Katie’s interview is a powerful reminder that inclusive design isn’t just a trend or a checkbox; it’s a responsibility. When we lead with empathy and design with intention, we create brands that don’t just attract attention, but foster real connection. As Katie puts it, “When your brand makes people feel like they belong, that’s where real loyalty begins.”
Inclusive design is more than visuals; it’s a mindset that invites people in, honors their experiences, and builds trust from the inside out.
Read the full interview with Katie to discover how your brand can become more inclusive, connected, and purposeful, one intentional choice at a time. Designing for Inclusivity – Interview with Katie Smetherman Holmes on Why It Matters More Than Ever
XOXO, Katie
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