Design Saviorism

A problematic dynamic in design practice where nondisabled designers position themselves as rescuers of disabled people, seeking praise while attempting to fix something that is not broken. Design saviorism perpetuates power imbalances by centering the designer's perspective rather than the lived experience of the community being designed for. It contrasts with disability-led and co-design approaches that recognize disabled people as experts in their own needs and position them as leaders in the design process rather than passive recipients of solutions.