In 2017, the Emmy Awards awarded black and Muslim men for the first time in history – and these landmark firsts reflected how people no longer see fair cultural representation as a plus, but as an essential. In her book, Diversify, June Sarpong discusses how inclusivity has social and financial benefits for everyone, including businesses focused on their bottom line. “We are losing out on vast amounts of talent by not being inclusive,” she says, presenting research that highlights the fact that not investing further in diversity costs the UK £127 billion per year.

From Obama’s ‘Hope’ poster to Trump’s red MAGA hat, strong visual cues are capable of rousing Americans’ energy for civic engagement – for better or for worse. But just how impactful is design in shaping the minds of voters? And how is it being used in the 2018 midterm elections?

Social media, partisan news outlets and divisive political events suggest an American people split into two opposing camps, with no common ground. But a report by think tank More in Common suggests the majority of Americans are caught in the middle, exhausted and silenced by conflict.

Research has found that people are using politics less for the change it effects in society, and more for the social label it earns them. As other markers of identity become less clear, politics is moving centre stage as a means of signalling belonging to the wider social group.