2026 Badge Summit

Many digital badges are built on the premise of closing equity gaps by recognizing skills and abilities that are typically overlooked. But badges can only be as effective in this mission as their design allows. This session poses the question: is it possible to eliminate human bias in designing digital badges? We invite participants to explore how well-intentioned credentials may unintentionally reproduce inequities of access, recognition, or privilege. Together, we’ll examine biases in design, technology, and power—and co-create principles for building truly equitable credentials.