An equity pause is a deliberate moment for teams to stop and reflect on how their work might impact different groups.
It helps uncover bias, check assumptions, and make sure diverse voices are included. By focusing on equity from the start, teams can design solutions that are fairer, more inclusive, and more effective for everyone.
Best Practices
Engage diverse voices. Involve a variety of people who represent a range of lived experiences.
Create safe spaces. Make it easy for people to speak up—especially those from underrepresented groups.
Ensure accessibility. Use formats and tools that work for everyone.
Monitor and adapt. Regularly check your progress for equity impacts and make changes as needed.
Basic Steps
1. Acknowledge the purpose. Be clear about why you’re pausing—to check bias and center equity in your work.
2. Include diverse perspectives. Bring in voices from underrepresented groups, staff, or partners.
3. Examine assumptions. Ask what you are assuming about users and who might be left out.
4. Review your data. Check if your data reflects all groups. Identify gaps and decide if more research is needed.
5. Spot barriers. Look for things like language, access, or cost that could create inequity.
6. Adjust your plans. Make changes to address equity concerns
7. Keep checking in. Revisit equity throughout the project—not just once.
Benefits
- Builds trust and shows people their needs and voices matter
- Encourages innovation and diverse input for stronger, more creative solutions
- Creates more sustainable, meaningful designs that are equity-focused
- Reduces risk by catching equity issues early to prevent harm or exclusion later
Our Recommended Resources
Use an equity pause any time you’re making decisions that affect people—especially during planning, design, or evaluation. It’s most effective when done early and often, helping you build equity into every stage of your process.