Talk Paper Scissors

Design for Social Change and Inclusive City Building with Jay Wall

Diana Varma Season 1 Episode 284

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0:00 | 1:01:25

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This is the second episode in a 3-part guest lecture series, speaking with a diverse range of design and typography pros from across North America! 

This episode features a Creative Director dedicated to social change and inclusive city building, Jay Wall. 

In this conversation you’ll hear about Jay’s origin story as a designer and the evolution of his path towards designing for social change. You’ll hear about the Design Justice Network (DJN) and learn a less naïve way to frame the question “can design save the world?” You’ll hear concrete examples over the last 70 years that have challenged the status quo and helped catalyze change in a variety of contexts, both on the streets and on the screen. Lastly, you’ll hear what Jay’s currently up to regarding inclusive city building; a project called ‘Yonge Tomorrow’, a project with the City of Toronto to redesign downtown Yonge Street, nodding to the past, embracing present needs, and planning for a more accessible future.

This episode was recorded as part of a guest lecture series in GCM 230 - Typography in fall 2025 at The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University.



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