Abstract

Design justice has emerged as a critical paradigm within Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and User 
Experience (UX), foregrounding the role of design in shaping, reinforcing, or challenging systemic inequities. This 
paper examines the conceptual foundations, frameworks, case studies, and evaluation metrics that define design 
justice in contemporary HCI/UX practice. Drawing from critical design theory, feminist technoscience, and 
participatory methodologies, it positions design as an inherently political and value-laden activity. The study 
explores key frameworks, including participatory design, community-led governance, power-aware design, and 
critical design approaches that seek to redistribute power and center marginalized voices in technological 
development. Through selected case studies in health technology, education, and civic platforms, the paper 
illustrates how justice-oriented design interventions address inequities in access, representation, and usability. It 
further evaluates methodological approaches and metrics, emphasizing both process-oriented indicators 
(participation, representation, empowerment) and outcome-oriented measures (usability, accessibility, and impact 
on inequality). The analysis highlights persistent challenges such as tokenism, resource constraints, and tensions 
between usability and justice goals. Ultimately, the paper underscores the importance of integrating design justice 
into practice, policy, and education to foster equitable, inclusive, and accountable technological systems.