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Designing with Edge Consumers: How Inclusive Design Orientation Reimagines Product Development

Designing with Edge Consumers: How Inclusive Design Orientation Reimagines Product Development

  • ARF
  • MSI

This Marketing Science Institute (MSI) working paper introduces Inclusive Design Orientation (IDO)—an emerging organizational mindset, as well as a set of practices that help firms design products not only for the “average” consumer, but with consumers who are typically excluded. Through interviews with 27 industry experts across technology, retail and design, this study shows how engaging so-called edge consumers can unlock product innovation, strengthen brand loyalty and expand market opportunities. The study outlines how organizations can embed inclusive beliefs into their development processes, how internal champions drive transformation and why inclusive design is fast becoming a competitive necessity.

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Beyond Representation: The Future of Inclusive Marketing

Beyond Representation: The Future of Inclusive Marketing

  • By Sarah Fahim and Agustina Perez Blua, Young Pros Officers, Cultural Effectiveness Council

On October 8, 2025, representatives from three organizations – Dyanta (Council member Nicole Mitchell), Kantar (Valeria Piaggio), and the GLAAD Media Institute (Megan Bartley) -- presented research on the current state of consumer attitudes towards diversity and inclusion in the U.S., particularly with respect to advertising.  Dynata's and Kantar’s presentations included trend data from 2023 and 2025, and Kantar’s included data from a neuroscience study.  IPG and Mintel collaborated with GLAAD on their research.  The speakers agreed that in spite of loud opposition to DEI, data shows a "silent majority" of consumers still supports inclusion efforts. The speakers also acknowledged a significant generational divide, with younger consumers being far more supportive of DEI initiatives.  The presentations were followed by a discussion with Mitchell, Piaggio, and Carol Hayneworth of IPG, moderated by Cultural Effectiveness Council Young Pros Officer Danielle Zito.

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