Design is never neutral, as it reflects and reinforces societal norms, values, and power structures. As the design field faces growing concerns about relevance and responsibility, norm-critical and participatory approaches offer ways to challenge dominant assumptions. Norms in design shape who gets to design, what is considered good design, and who benefits. By making these norms visible, norm-critical design questions exclusionary practices and provides alternative perspectives. Participatory design has long emphasized co-creation with marginalized groups, redistributing design agency, and ensuring that design is done with users, not just for them. In today’s rapidly shifting landscape, marked by technological change, economic uncertainty, and political tensions, such approaches become even more crucial. Without intentional inclusion, the design practice risks reinforcing dominant perspectives and excluding diverse voices. This contribution argues that norm-critical participatory design offers a path toward more just and inclusive design practices. By addressing implicit biases and engaging underrepresented groups, designers can create solutions that do not merely accommodate diversity but actively challenge exclusionary norms. In shaping the future of design, embracing these perspectives is not just an ethical choice—it is a necessity.