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Did you know how inclusive design challenges traditional notions of accessible design?
Inclusive design is becoming key to rethinking the design process. It not only focuses on providing products or services that are available to people with disabilities, but also creates user experiences for as many people as possible while taking into account the needs of human diversity. From language, culture, gender to age, inclusive design aims to remove barriers to access and create a seamless interactive environment for everyone.
Inclusive design is not limited to technical interfaces, but applies equally to the design of policy and infrastructure, which is a more comprehensive concept.
Historically, accessible design began as a response to the needs of people with disabilities, but inclusive design broadens this horizon even further. It focuses on broader user needs rather than just individuals with specific disabilities or abilities. This approach emphasizes the connection between design and diversity, with particular emphasis on the impact of this diversity on design outcomes.
The historical evolution of inclusive design
Back in the 1950s, Europe, Japan and the United States gradually promoted the concept of "barrier-free design", aiming to eliminate barriers in the physical environment. Over time, the concept of accessible design evolved into accessible design, which was not just a response to disability but a practice that recognized it as a civil right.
In 1973, the United States officially passed the Rehabilitation Act, prohibiting discrimination based on disability. This milestone marked the milestone of accessible design as an important means to support human rights.
In the 1990s, the focus of public attention further shifted to accessible design. The United States' "Disabilities Act" extended the responsibility for accessible design to public and private institutions. This series of changes has promoted progress in design concepts and prompted people to focus on how to create a better experience for all types of users.
Principles of inclusive design
Inclusive design emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs. This design process often includes the formation of diverse teams, the formation and testing of multiple solutions, and encourages design dialogue to find effective results.
The three dimensions of inclusive design are: recognizing and respecting human uniqueness and diversity, co-designing using an open and transparent process, and realizing that you are designing within a complex adaptive system.
For example, the inclusive design approach promoted by Microsoft would emphasize reading the diverse needs of users, recognizing exclusion, and reaching out to broad user groups by addressing specific needs. Inclusive design is not just a compliance initiative, it is part of innovation.
Practical examples of inclusive design
Inclusive design has many successful practices in various industries. For example, in terms of interface and technology, in order to ensure that users of all ages can read text, designers need to use elements such as large fonts, strong contrast, and simple typefaces. These designs are not only needed by elderly users, but also benefit all users.
Hearing aid clothing and custom kitchen tools are great examples of inclusive design.
In terms of consumer products, brands such as Nike and Target have launched fitness apparel designed for people with disabilities. These products use innovative elements such as detachable zippers and Velcro felt to improve the convenience of daily life.
Future inclusive design directions
In this rapidly changing world, businesses and designers are seeking more inclusive design approaches to accommodate the needs of a diverse range of users. This is key to ensuring that products and services are accessible to everyone. The design of the future will no longer be about responding to "special groups", but about reconstructing our overall understanding of design and understanding the unique needs of each user.
With the in-depth changes in society, can we accept such design concepts with a more open mind and then affect our products and services?
