What is inclusive design?
Inclusive design is a design approach that intentionally considers and includes the full spectrum of human diversity in the design process rather than designing for an assumed average user and adapting for edge cases afterward. It recognizes that designing for people at the extremes of ability, context, and situation creates solutions that work better for everyone. The concept builds on the principle of universal design and is associated with the work of the Inclusive Design Research Centre and Microsoft's Inclusive Design team, whose toolkit has become an influential resource for practitioners.
How does inclusive design differ from accessibility?
Accessibility typically refers to meeting specific technical standards like WCAG that ensure products work for users with disabilities. Inclusive design is a broader methodology that encompasses accessibility but extends to all dimensions of human diversity: language, culture, economic situation, age, digital literacy, cognitive differences, temporary and situational limitations, and more. A person holding a baby has a temporary situational limitation similar to someone with one arm. A person in a noisy environment has a situational audio limitation similar to someone who is deaf. Inclusive design recognizes these connections and designs solutions that work across all these contexts simultaneously.
Why does inclusive design benefit all users?
Many features originally designed for users with disabilities have become universally used: closed captions designed for deaf users are now used by millions watching video in noisy environments or quiet public spaces. Voice control designed for users with motor disabilities is now used hands-free in cars and kitchens. High contrast modes designed for users with low vision are used by everyone in bright sunlight. Curb cuts designed for wheelchair users are used daily by delivery workers, parents with strollers, and travelers with luggage. This curb cut effect demonstrates that solving for the most constrained users generates solutions that improve the experience for everyone.