A coalition for equity-centered design in action
Start with people. Design with care. Lead with clarity.
CRAFT is a field-grown framework helping educators and system leaders co-design equity—with care, clarity, and human dignity—one decision at a time.
What is CRAFT?
CRAFT is a human-centered design framework that helps educators and leaders make equity-centered decisions—with clarity, care, and context.
It doesn’t add more to your plate. It helps everything on the plate make more sense. Whether you're redesigning a system or rewriting a single message, CRAFT acts as a compass—not a checklist.
Born in real schools and co-developed with AI, CRAFT guides equity as a daily design practice—not an initiative. It lives where decisions are made and systems are shaped.
A framework shaped by care, not compliance
The Five Pillars of CRAFT
Each CRAFT pillar is a design lens—a way of making decisions with more clarity, dignity, and shared authorship. Together, they form a compass for equity in action—helping leaders, educators, and teams build systems that breathe.
“Context isn’t background—it’s the foundation.”
C – Context Representation
Equity starts by honoring lived experience. Good design doesn’t rely on assumptions—it sees the full picture of what someone is carrying and where they’ve been.
“We design better when we build with, not for.”
R – Reciprocity & Co-Design
Equity means shared authorship. When people help shape the systems that impact them, we build trust, distribute power, and design what actually works.
“Clarity is equity. Say what you mean so others can enter.”
A – Accessibility of Language
Language should invite—not exclude. Clear, warm communication builds trust and helps every voice feel capable of engaging with the work.
“Choice should feel like agency, not obligation.”
F – Flexibility Without Burden
Flexibility only works when it reduces pressure. Real support means options that are guided, not overwhelming—designed for ease, not extra labor.
“Design for the day someone’s already having.”
T – Time & Capacity Respect
People are carrying invisible weight. Respecting time and bandwidth isn’t about doing less—it’s about choosing better, and letting good enough be enough.
Equity in action—where it matters most
CRAFT in Real Schools
These moments didn’t begin with perfect plans. They began with a pause, a question, and the choice to design with care. From hallway redirections to system-level fixes, CRAFT shaped the decisions—and the dignity—behind them.
Micah’s Story: A Plan Built for the Whole Child
When a student’s behavior began spiraling, staff didn’t just stack consequences. They got curious. Using CRAFT, they co-designed a tracker and mentorship plan built on relationships—not just redirections.
CRAFT Lenses: Context, Reciprocity, Accessibility, Flexibility, Time
Behind the Calculators: An Equity Pivot Under Pressure
Days before testing, leaders realized they didn’t have enough calculators. Instead of scrambling in silence, they used CRAFT to crowdsource help, center student context, and create a calm rollout—with no one left behind.
CRAFT Lenses: Context, Reciprocity, Flexibility, Time
This isn’t a framework. It’s a movement.
Join the CRAFTkeepers
CRAFTkeepers are the first wave of educators, leaders, and system-builders redesigning with care. They don’t just use the framework—they help shape it. Through small shifts, real stories, and shared tools, they’re proving what equity can look like when it’s designed with intention. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to care about how systems feel—and be willing to notice, reflect, and co-build.
Stay Connected
📬 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.craftkeepers.org
📖 Built by: Johanna Dorris | Conversational Equity Design
© 2025 CRAFTkeepers
All rights reserved | Designed with care, not compliance
