How can you create inclusive computer systems?

2 Why is inclusivity important?

Inclusivity is important for many reasons. First, it's a matter of human rights and social justice. Everyone deserves to have access to information, communication, education, and services that computer systems provide. Second, it's about innovation and creativity. By including diverse voices and perspectives, computer systems can become more responsive, adaptable, and relevant to the needs and preferences of different users. Then there's efficiency and effectiveness. By designing and using computer systems that are inclusive, you can reduce errors, costs, and risks, and increase satisfaction, engagement, and productivity.

3 How do you design inclusive computer systems?

Designing inclusive computer systems requires a user-centered approach that involves understanding and empathizing with the needs, preferences, and experiences of different users. To do this, conduct user research and testing with a representative sample of users, including those who may have different abilities, languages, cultures, ages, genders, or other characteristics. Additionally, use inclusive language and content that is clear, respectful, and relevant to the users. Avoid jargon, slang, idioms, or cultural references that may confuse or offend some users.

Furthermore, it's important to apply accessibility and inclusion features that make computer systems easier to use for everyone. This could include text-to-speech, speech-to-text, captions, subtitles, magnification, contrast, color, font, layout, navigation, keyboard shortcuts and alternative input methods. Lastly, provide feedback and support options that help users learn, troubleshoot and customize their computer systems; for example offer tutorials, help menus, FAQs, chatbots or contact details.

4 How do you use inclusive computer systems?

Using inclusive computer systems means being aware and respectful of the diversity of users and their contexts. To ensure inclusivity, you should choose and configure your computer system according to your needs and preferences. This could include adjusting settings, options, or features that make your computer system more comfortable or accessible. Additionally, when communicating and collaborating with other users, be polite and constructive. Use inclusive language and content, acknowledge different opinions and perspectives, and avoid making assumptions or judgments about others. Finally, share and promote inclusive computer systems with others by recommending or endorsing computer systems that are inclusive, providing feedback or suggestions to improve computer systems, or advocating for more inclusivity in computer systems.

5 Where can you learn more about inclusivity?

Inclusivity is a complex and evolving topic that requires learning and improvement. To expand your knowledge of inclusivity in computer systems, there are many resources available such as online courses and tutorials from Coursera, edX, Udemy, or Khan Academy. Additionally, books and articles written by Kat Holmes, Sara Wachter-Boettcher, or Jenny Lay-Flurrie can provide valuable insight into the theory and practice of inclusivity. Lastly, events and communities like conferences, webinars, podcasts, blogs, or social media groups can connect you with others who are interested or involved in inclusivity in computer systems.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?