What are some examples of inclusive design or universal design that inspired you or influenced your work?

Beyond our physical differences, often highlighted in discussions about inclusion, lies a deeper aspect of our humanity—our psychology. Personality tests help determine our predominant capacities and highlight areas where we excel. According to Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory, individuals possess different combinations of the eight types of intelligence. Robert Sternberg’s concept of Successful Intelligence further categorizes these into three main types: creative, analytical, and practical. This makes cognitive diversity critical. Inclusion isn’t easy. It challenges us to integrate different cognitive styles in teams. Success is found precisely in overcoming these challenges.

One example of inclusive design that has significantly influenced my work is the concept of universal design in public spaces, particularly the design of accessible playgrounds. These playgrounds are thoughtfully constructed to be welcoming and usable for children of all abilities, incorporating features such as wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory play elements, and tactile paths. This approach ensures that every child, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, can enjoy and benefit from these spaces. The principles of universal design inspire me to create environments and solutions that are not just accessible but truly inclusive, ensuring that everyone can participate fully and equitably in all aspects of life.

A great example of inclusive design that I have observed is the angled sections of pavements that allow wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs, and people with mobility impairments to navigate urban environments more easily. This simple design change has had a deep and wide impact on accessibility.

Universal design is best explained by a practical example that is used daily. For example accessible public transport Wheelchair-accessible buses and trains These vehicles have ramps or lifts to allow wheelchair users to board and get off safely. Visual and auditory announcements The transportation system uses both visual and auditory announcements to let passengers know of their stops and destinations. Priority seating is reserved areas on buses that for people with disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly.

As an educator, I have seen this across many classrooms in the form of a choice board. For example, an ELA teacher might give students a choice board on the elements of drama. They might include a video, a reading, and a visual anchor chart. The students are then able to choose which format they want to learn from.

Universal and inclusive design are like twins. They both want to make things easy for everyone, no matter what they can or can't do. It's like building a playground where everyone can join in, from children in wheelchairs to those who can run fast. Basically, they're about making sure that stuff works for everyone.

They are the same. This is not a useful distinction to make. How can a design possibly be universal, appealing to the largest proportion of people possible, without also being inclusive? How can a design be inclusive if it excludes large proportions of people?

Universal and Inclusive design are different paths leading to different, but adjacent, destinations. Universal design is about enabling as many people as possible to be able to use the solution/space/item without modification - but this will still never account for every possibility, and may require compromises in terms of functionality. Inclusive design focuses on enabling adaptability and flexibility to meet different needs and preferences - which could potentially make it accessible to those not considered in universal design, and also mean less compromise is required in functionality for the majority of users - but at the cost of possibly creating multiple interfaces/options/alternatives vs a universal design.

Universal and inclusive design are important because they make the world a more equitable place. They promote equality - The products and services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. These designs help to make society more inclusive. They improve quality of life Inclusive and universal design really improves the quality of life for people with disabilities. This makes it easier for them to take part in daily tasks and contribute to society. They improve economic growth When we create products and services to include people with disabilities, inclusive and universal design drives economic growth and innovation.

When we are designing something - we usually use our own frame of reference which is where bias can creep in and result in non-inclusive or non-universal designs. One tool I have seen used to great effect is Cards for Humanity by Frog, part of Capgemini who I work for - which randomly deals 2 cards for different types of users and their needs which can help ensure you are considering all different types of user and needs as part of your design process - beyond just your own or your team's personal experiences or references.