Should simplicity and minimalism be regarded the universal standards for information design? How could we avoid unintended stereotyping with user personas in daily design practices? To answer design questions like these, this hands-on pre-conference course asks participants to reconsider some commonly held design beliefs and routine design practices with a lens of cultural differences. Illustrated with design case studies, it introduces strategies and techniques to turn differences into design resources. Participants will learn essential skills of creating efficient, effective, engaging, and empowering designs in a globalized world at a divisive time.