BE RESPECTFUL - Exercise the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would want them to treat you.” It’s easy to overlook the fact, when typing words on a computer screen, that there is a live individual on the receiving end of it. Keep community posts and replies positive and constructive, even if you disagree with another user’s position. Respect what has been written and remember that this community is meant for professional exchanges. Inappropriate or offensive language used in posts or other written items will be removed/deleted.  

BE PROFESSIONAL When Expressing Yourself: Present the best version of yourself when communicating with your colleagues and professional designers on this platform. Use correct grammar, capitalization, and punctuation in all community communications. This includes avoiding “text-speak” like “C U l8r” and typing messages in either all uppercase (which is interpreted as YELLING) or in all lowercase. Proofread your messages and comments before posting.  

BE PURPOSEFUL - Value the Benefits of a Virtual Professional Community: The purpose of Design Connection by ASID is for individuals practicing or supporting the interior design profession to share resources and discuss relevant topics of professional interest and some fun topics as well. Use the platform to ask and answer questions and hold constructive conversations. While you may share your work as it relates to Community group discussions, do not use this platform to advertise your business, job openings, products, or services you provide. 

• Example: A community group member posts a question about the use of color to create a soothing environment for a client.

  • Appropriate Response: Another member who works for a paint or furniture company could suggest colors or items that would be good options and how to arrive at making those design choices. 

  • Inappropriate Response: The same group member responds to the original question by specifying his employer and suggesting that they work together for this client.  

• Job Openings: Individuals must use Design Careers by ASID to create and share job openings. Job openings posted to Design Careers sync to Design Connection and populate in the Activity Feed.

BE RESOURCEFUL - Share Reputable Content: If sharing a piece of content to a community group, make sure the content is appropriate and reliable. You are encouraged to share content from trusted sources within the profession but should avoid sharing a video from TikTok or an article from People Magazine. If sharing a resource that is not of your own creation, be sure to credit the author using an appropriate form of citation (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago styles). In addition, do not share any confidential content or information about a client or another user. These practices will help you present your point of view with valid documentation.  

BE PROACTIVE - Search Before You Post (Again): Scan recent posts in the community prior to submitting a post yourself. A question you have may have been posed and answered within the community. Likewise, there may already be a thread dedicated to your idea of interest.  

BE RELEVANT - Keep Comments Pertinent to Each Community: Each community is established for an ASID-specific group or particular topics of interest within the profession. Avoid personal conversations in a community and focus on the group’s main purposes or the topics of interest. 

BE INCLUSIVE - Recognize and Appreciate Differences: Embrace the unique values and backgrounds of all users of this platform. This attitude not only ensures that you are treating others with respect, but also opens the door for new learning experiences and meaningful discussions.