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The surprising impact of human diversity: How can inclusive design meet different needs?
As the world pays more attention to inclusive design, we are beginning to realize that design is not just about aesthetics or functionality, but also about how to meet the needs of users with different backgrounds and needs. The aim of inclusive design is to make a product, service or environment accessible and enjoyable to everyone, especially groups that have traditionally been excluded. This concept not only focuses on the needs of people with physical disabilities, but also takes into account the multiple human diversities such as ability, language, culture, gender and age.
Inclusive design is the process of designing a product, service, or environment to be usable by as many people as possible.
The history of inclusive design can be traced back to the 1950s, when Europe, the United States and Japan began to promote "barrier-free design." This design concept has gradually evolved over time, from being initially designed for people with physical disabilities to recognizing the needs of a wider group of people. In 1973, the United States passed the Rehabilitation Act, which banned discrimination based on disability and was seen as an important step in supporting civil rights. By 1990, with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, inclusive design was no longer just a compliance requirement; it became a vital source of innovation.
The multiple dimensions of inclusive design
Inclusive design as a methodology emphasizes recognizing, respecting and designing for human uniqueness and variability. This means we need to be open and transparent in our design process and co-design with people who represent a diverse range of perspectives. An important aspect of this design concept is to realize that design is carried out in a complex adaptive system, so changes in design will affect a larger system.
Inclusive design also means considering the multiple identities of users, including race, age, gender, and other broader aspects.
Compared with traditional accessibility design, inclusive design is not only about complying with government or industry standards, but also about striving to fundamentally improve everyone's user experience. Convenient and efficient design should target all users, especially those groups that may not be widely recognized. For example, for the elderly, some design elements based on large fonts, significant contrast and clear fonts not only help them read, but also make all users feel better.
Design Examples and Influences
In terms of interface and technology, designers meet the needs of users of different ages by improving text readability, adjusting screen color contrast, etc. This type of design not only focuses on the elderly, but also improves the interface experience for all users. In addition, the fashion industry has also been engaged in inclusive design in recent years. Brands such as Kohl's, Nike and Tommy Hilfiger have launched clothing that can adapt to different needs.
Inclusive design enables better experiences and choices for people with disabilities or other challenges.
In terms of consumer products, for example, the vegetable peeler designed by OXO has an improved handle design that makes it easy for users with physical disabilities such as arthritis to use it. For example, the design of the bottle opener has been modified accordingly for the elderly or disabled to ensure that most people can easily open the bottle cap. All of the above are proof of how inclusive design impacts everyday life.
Future Directions and Challenges
The promotion of inclusive design is not without challenges. Designers need to conduct continuous experiments and iterations based on an understanding of diverse needs, which requires time and resources. Businesses need to embed inclusive design into their core values. As the global demand for inclusivity grows stronger, many companies are also starting to work in this direction. Whether it’s Microsoft or Adobe, these tech giants are actively exploring the best practices of inclusive design.
The real purpose of design is for people, not just to create a product.
In general, inclusive design is not only about considering the needs of users, but also about promoting overall inclusiveness and fairness in society. As technology advances and diversity increases, can we truly achieve the concept of design that everyone can participate in?
